Food for thought (and Paps) Exiting a studio in the heart of Bandra on Wednesday, Vidya Balan proved that true star power isn’t about the height of your heels, but the depth of your grace. Discovering over a dozen paps waiting for her in the sweltering heat, she didn’t just give them a ‘look’ — she popped into the café next door and bought them lunch! From heritage to haute cuisine Even in modern India, a maharaja’s ability to command a full darbar remains undisputed — a fact Jodhpur’s Gajsingh II proved this past Tuesday. In Mumbai to unveil a pictorial biography titled Bapji, co-authored by Yogi Vaid and Aman Nath, the much-loved maharaja captivated a fawning audience at the NCPA — sharing vibrant anecdotes and answering questions associated with the book, which takes its name from his moniker. From Ila Arun and Mallika Sarabhai to Dolly Thakore and Amish Tripathi, artistes of all ilk filed into the Tata Theatre to meet ‘the king who would be man’ and his lovely wife Hemlata Rajye. Maharaja Gajsingh II Trading one palace for another, the Umaid Bhawan Palace royals retreated to The Taj Mahal Palace in Colaba once the event wound down (meeting friends for a quiet dinner), but for co-authors Aman and Yogi, the city beckoned. Leading a small, sophisticated troupe of their book launch attendees, both writers headed to Flint — Rahul Akerkar’s latest culinary gem — to carry the celebrations late into the evening. Clearly, a history lesson is best served with a side of haute cuisine. Century of laughs Move over, youngsters — the OG Master Blaster just proved that he delivers a ‘doosra’ just as well as he reads one. For April Fool’s Day on Wednesday, Sachin Tendulkar took to Instagram to show that while his son Arjun might be busy picking Yuvraj Singh as his batting idol, the ‘God of Cricket’ still owns the title of ‘Prank King’. Sachin Tendulkar In a hilarious video that quickly went viral, Sachin deployed his doppelgänger to bamboozle a close friend, Faisal. The unsuspecting buddy, thinking he was about to share a heartfelt moment with the legend himself, went in for a full-on ‘jaadu ki jhappi’ with the lookalike — who gave him hell for it. Meanwhile, the real Sachin was lurking in the shadows, camera in hand, documenting the awkward realisation for the entire world to see. It’s official: whether he’s facing Dale Steyn or just a confused friend in a hallway, Sachin’s timing remains absolutely legendary. 100 centuries? Fine. One perfectly executed prank? Priceless. KP clears the air England batsman Kevin Pietersen just bowled a major googly at Mumbai’s social media scene. On March 31, the former cricketer took to X to declare Mumbai’s air the “best I’ve ever experienced,” even giving a shout-out to the local leadership after seeing AQI levels hit a crisp 40. Kevin Pietersen Naturally, Mumbaikars — who usually view ‘clear air’ as a mythical creature — had thoughts. While some posted rare blue-sky selfies in solidarity, the sceptics were out in full force. Accusations flew faster than a 150kmph bouncer, with many claiming it was a “paid post” or simply the result of a lucky sea breeze. KP, never one to back down from a sledging match, fired back with his signature sass. “You think I get paid to post about air quality? Are you f*****g mad?!” he retorted, doubling down by noting he’d actually managed to get a sunburn because the usual smog blanket had finally vanished. Love him or hate him, KP is clearly team #MumbaiBlueSkies! A timeless flex Is it a throwback or a relaunch? Honestly, when you’re Salman Khan, the concept of time is purely decorative. So, when the actor showcased his signature Jacob & Co. The World Is Yours Dual Time Zone watch on March 31, the ‘Bhai-verse’ began buzzing about his latest flex with Jacob Arabo. Salman Khan We, on the other hand, do track time (and social media timelines), so here’s a gentle reminder that this limited-edition stunner actually made its grand debut in March last year. Why it is being showcased again with such renewed energy is anyone’s guess — a little financial year-end sales push, perhaps? Regardless of the timing, the timepiece remains a masterclass in sentimental luxury. A tribute to his father, the legendary Salim Khan, the 43 mm steel piece features those distinct rose gold continents and the ‘SK’ initials that let everyone know exactly who owns the room. And the tricolour tribute is no coincidence either. With its signature turquoise box mirroring Salman’s famous bracelet, this timepiece still feels as fresh as a premiere night at Galaxy Apartments — irrespective of how long it has been on the market. A reminder of his horological clout or just a lean day requiring a repost, one thing is certain: Bhai doesn’t follow the clock; the clock follows him.
02 April,2026 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatQueerness is the opposite of colonisation. Jonathan Taikina Taylor’s sentence echoes, especially in a week where the LGBTQiA+ community regroups to battle the odds against the Transgender Persons Amendment Bill. “Colonisation is about going into a culture and dictating terms, norms and behaviour. Queerness is the opposite. It is the community coming together to create a system which allows for divergence, and creates a system to enable it,” says the director. Taylor along with his co-conspirator, playwright Mahesh Dattani, hope to explore this in their production, The Monk & The Warrior, that will premiere in the city today. Jonathan Taikina Taylor (left) oversees a rehearsal session. PICS COURTESY/SuperGeographics A cross-cultural epic, the production stems from the story of a conqueror, Alexander the Great, meeting an Indian monk. While one seeks to conquer the world, the other is on the path of renouncement. Yet, as Dattani points out for all his fame as a conqueror, the Macedonian Alexander was historically queer, and a monk in ancient India would be no stranger to the subject of desire. “Their roles blur as the play goes on,” he explains. This fluidity is also reflected in the exchange of ideas, journey of the characters, and the movement and music in the play. Taylor reveals that Finnish composer Eero Hämeenniemi worked to create a “tension between the movement and the music.” That approach mirrors the play’s existence in a society, and a world, that is increasingly close-minded. Dattani observes, “The need for war, and the rise of homophobia are connected. One is a negation of the other. Queerness is when you create a culture, or life, or a family that is not the norm. That is what we are all battling for — a peace of our own.” Jonathan Taikina Taylor and Mahesh Dattani Throughout history, people in power have often sought to co-opt the past for one point of view, says the Brooklyn-based Taylor. “That is why it is important to tell stories that include queer people. It is a tricky space we are in, historically and socially, and looking back to our past, and understanding it will truly help.” The artistic director of The SuperGeographics once travelled to India in 2019 to be introduced to a nuanced, and wholesome queer community in India. “I wanted to follow that key and see where it led,” he says. The use of movement, a grand scale, and contrasting music is also his way of going against the norm of realism in contemporary theatre. “The journey of the production resembles the journey of the protagonists in many ways,” admits Dattani. Reflecting on the two protagonists, Taylor observes, “To follow desire is just as beautiful as to following detachment. The freedom to choose is important. That, I think, is the queer lens we are talking about,” he concludes. ON April 2 to 5; 4 pm and 7.30 pm AT Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comCOST Rs 500 onwards Choice of self While queerness has been a part of Dattani’s works, including his breakthrough work — On a Muggy Night in Bombay (1998) — this one is different. “It was centred on societal expectations, and the response. The Monk & The Warrior is more interpersonal. They claim it [queerness] for themselves, not as a response to society.”
02 April,2026 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarThursdayTextbook comedy Silence will be optional at Bandra bookstore Fictionary when stand-up comedians Raunaq Rajani (below) and Chirag Panjwani find humour between the books as part of the Twice As Good series.TIME 8.30 pmAT Fictionary, National College Lane, Bandra West.LOG ON TO @fictionarybooksENTRY Rs 400 FridayFlea for all PIC COURTESY/@thelilflea Browse through indie apparel and accessories, stop by to savour Japanese Katsu or Galauti Kebab, and groove to the tunes of Indian Ocean and Kavita Seth at the new edition of Lil Flea. ON April 3 to 5; 3 pm to 11 pmAT Jio World Garden, BKC. LOG ON TO thelilflea.comENTRY Rs 449 (weekend pass) SaturdaySing with Hannah PIC COURTESY/@mileycyrus If you’re still not over Hannah Montana’s 20th anniversary special, head to this celebration to find your tribe. Sing, dance, and test your wits at this trivia session.TIME 4 pmAT Garnet Plates and Pours, Veera Desai Industrial Estate, Andheri West.LOG ON TO @garnetmumbaiENTRY Rs 200 Back to stage PIC COURTESY/@faizmohammedkhan You’ve loved his stoic on-screen roles, now catch actor Pankaj Tripathi in a whole new avatar in NSD alum Faiz Mohammed Khan’s presentation Lailaaj that follows a fictional local band’s humorous tryst with love and responsibilities.TIME 7.30 pm AT Royal Opera House, Girgaon. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 499 SundayPedal for change A previous edition of the initiative. PIC COURTESY/WHEELS AND BARRELS Start your Sunday by pedalling through Thane for the cause of citizens’ health and holistic fitness. The ride ends with an important lesson in CPR for parents and young cyclists.TIME 7 amMEETING POINT Cadbury Junction, Thane West.CALL 9664231220 (to register) Upside down Pic Courtesy/@naturalistex Naturalists are shining a bat-signal for a unique trip to meet Borivli’s bats. Walk through the Sanjay National Gandhi National Park with an expert from the Naturalist Explorers community to discover the nocturnal mammals’ fascinating lives.TIME 7.30 amMEETING POINT Main Gate, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East. LOG ON TO @naturalistexENTRY Revealed on registration
02 April,2026 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleFlower power You can buy yourself flowers, and paint them too. Join botanist Dr Sweedle Cerejo-Shivkar and artist-naturalist Sefi George on a slow-paced online watercolour session that will teach you to look at flowers like an artist.ON April 5; 5 pm to 7.30 pmLOG ON TO @summer_scribblesENTRY Rs 1000 Beyond the seas A previous beach painting session in Juhu. Pic courtesy/KARANTAVI Feel the summer breeze in your hair on a slow evening on Juhu Beach. Paint what catches your eye on the beach at your own pace with the Karantavi expressive arts community that promises no judgements.ON April 5; 5 pm to 7 pmAT Juhu Beach (full location shared on registration)LOG ON TO @karantaviENTRY Revealed on registration Let it go Pic courtesy/ANG TARANG Pour your heart out in a ‘circle of insight’, dance your stress away, or participate in a movement therapy session at this multidisciplinary wellness session led by the Ang Tarang wellness community.ON April 5; 11.30 amAT Bohemiso Studio, Mahesh Nagar, SV Road, Goregaon West.LOG ON TO @ang_tarangENTRY Revealed on enquiry
02 April,2026 09:21 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamEver wonder what your grandparents grooved to on the radio as teenagers? Or about the bands that were playing alongside The Beatles in London in the 1960s? Well, Radiooooo is a time-travel miracle for music lovers. The curation of songs across languages, regions, and time. Pick a country and a decade, and it curates a playlist of the most popular songs from the era. From Ali Akbar Khan’s instrumentals or George Formby’s Auntie Maggie’s Remedy, take your pick. Log on to: Radiooooo on Playstore
01 April,2026 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarWhat about kabaddi appeals to you? We were discussing ideas, and the Pratham team suggested kabaddi because they wanted to focus on sports. I’m not a sports person but I got excited because it’s a sport from India; it comes from the villages. I also really like drawing human figures. I thought kabaddi, which is so much about bodies interacting with each other, will be interesting to explore. The vivid illustrations by Kabini Amin captures the local flavour of the game Was it always planned as a wordless picture book? It didn’t start out as an only-picture book. I was struggling to frame a narrative and was going back and forth figuring out what kind of a story this should be. I didn’t want to make it a linear story with a strongly defined protagonist and antagonist. Then I thought the game is so interesting because all you’ve to say is kabaddi, so I decided to work around that. A friend had introduced me to John Sir, a state-level cricket coach and veteran sportsperson. When speaking to him, there were many fun anecdotes that came about. Like when there’s a tournament, people come from different schools and states, and there’s a bit of rivalry. At the end of it, though, you celebrate whoever wins because that’s the spirit of a sport. Another thing I learnt was that before cricket became huge, the India-Pakistan rivalry was commonly witnessed in kabaddi matches. The story built from there, with the scene of the two buses and the children throwing paper planes at each other being a direct reference to that history. Tell us about some of the artistic choices you took.I have to thank Canato Jimo, the art director on this book, who gave me an encouraging push to step out of my comfort zone. We talked about how to bring a local flavour to the art. I really love the screen-printed circus posters with neon colours and black backgrounds. Kabini Amin The ideas for the colours came from there, with pink and yellow as the colours for the teams, and the backgrounds really simple. With the white lines of the court, the images started to look funky, which is what you see in the book. Log on to: prathambooks.org
01 April,2026 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaWednesday100 Ways of Representing Mumbai by Students A joint exhibition by the students of the Sir JJ Schools of Art, Architecture, and Design, the curated panels, “are a portrayal of the city through many of its facets, from food to artefacts, locations, and objects,” shared professor Mustansir Dalvi. TILL April 2; 11 am onwardsAT Claude Batley Gallery, Sir JJ School of Art, Architecture and Design, Fort. ThursdayThe Sun Rises in The East by Ronny Sen Catchment Node VII, 2026. Pic Courtesy/Ronny Sen, Tarq Art Gallery The reality of Artificial Intelligence (AI), war, and the conundrum of an unsustainable world in the near future drives this solo showcase by Ronny Sen.TILL April 18, 11 am to 6.30 pm (Tuesday to Saturday) AT Tarq Art Gallery, KK (Navsari) Chambers, AK Nayak Marg, Fort. FridayThe Last Rust by Archana Hande Discarded dumbbells, sieves, knives, and hammers might feel like the byproducts of a yard sale. But for Archana Hande, they carry a deeper significance. The artist turns to her visit to the nomadic Gurjari markets to transform them into totemic symbols with a history of class, caste, and gender.TILL April 25; 10 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday) AT Chemould Prescott Road, Queens Mansion, Fort. SaturdayPrimordial by Parvathi Nayar Balance of Trade. Pics Courtesy/ Parvathi Nayar, Muziris Contemporary Marking a return to the city after two decades, Nayar’s rendered graphite compositions flow from the idea of the ‘primordial soup’ of the universe. The work “…is between structure and dissolution, between conscious construction and something more intuitive,” says the writer.TILL May 1; 11 am to 7 pm (except Mondays) AT Muziris Contemporary, Arsiwala Mansion, Colaba. SundayTicket Tika Chaap (Clockwise from above) Textile labels, late 19th-20th Century; (above right) Royal warrior, 19th Century. Pics Courtesy/Dr BDL Museum, MAP Bengaluru Colourful, fascinating, and historically quirky, this show is to be enjoyed at leisure. Presented in collaboration with Museum of Art and Photography (MAP) Bengaluru, and Impart, the exhibition is a treasure trove of the aesthetic, art, and colour. Curators Nathaniel Gaskell and Shrey Maurya bring together the glossy and vividly rendered images on textile tickets that serve as a window into Colonial history, artistic identity, technology, and visual culture.TILL June 7; 10 am to 5.30 pm (except Wednesdays)AT Special Project Space, Dr Bhau Daji Lad Museum, Byculla West.Entry Museum tickets apply Landscape Plays by Heiner Goebbels The Last Painting, 2023. Pic Courtesy/ Heiner Goebbels, Dr BDL Museum, Goethe Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan Light, movement, and sound are at the heart of Heiner Goebbels’ Indian debut. In collaboration with the Goethe Institut/Max Mueller Bhavan Mumbai, the conductor takes inspiration from the author Gertrude Stein. “I am especially excited, how the sounds and all the things and objects in the Landscape Plays: monuments, instruments, paintings, and the elements: water, wind, fog and ice — communicate with the precious objects of the museum,” he says. TILL May 31; 10 am to 5.30 pm (except Wednesdays)AT Kamalnayan Bajaj Special Exhibitions Gallery, Dr BDL Museum, Byculla West. ENTRY Museum tickets apply
01 April,2026 09:17 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarKnit happens It’s not quite sweater weather, but Saqib Saleem gets a pass for the loose knit he debuted on Tuesday. Because when he’s busy blowing kisses to the camera, who cares about a little thing like the dew point? Portrait of a scandal The art world is currently navigating a scene more dramatic than a durational performance piece, and frankly, far more sordid. While the Kochi-Muziris Biennale was busy trying to reinvent itself under the curation of artist Nikhil Chopra, its co-founder and long-time face, Bose Krishnamachari, was making a brisk backdoor exit. Jitish Kallat Though his January resignation was initially wrapped in the polite gauze of “personal and family reasons,” troubling allegations leaked late last month: an Internal Complaints Committee was investigating a sexual harassment complaint against him. The claim — involving unwelcome physical advances toward a female colleague at his Fort Kochi apartment — is a grim sequel to the Riyas Komu scandal of 2018 (which ended in a resignation but no official resolution). Bose Krishnamachari A redacted copy of the complaint letter landed on our desk only days ago and details a chilling power dynamic — making this purported episode with Bose feel like a #MeToo sequel nobody asked for. Enter Jitish Kallat. The Mumbai-based artist has been tapped to step into the debris as the new president. His job? To scrub the stain off the brand and chair the selection for the next edition. Jitish is respected, cerebral, and — crucially — not currently under investigation. He’s stepping in to provide a “rigorous” transition, but let’s be real: he’s the designated adult in a room where the founders keep getting sent to the principal’s office. A legacy of love “Even when memory fades, love doesn’t,” wrote author and educationist Lina Ashar, as her aunt Tina Ambani tended to her mother, Zarna Somaia, in hospital on March 3. “Tina masi, the youngest of eight sisters, sits beside my mother who is the eldest and sings to her. Soft bhajans. Stories from another lifetime,” Lina shared, detailing her aunt’s daily visits and expressing profound gratitude for the quiet grace of this bond. In an era of performative gestures, this was the real thing: the youngest sister anchoring the eldest as the tide went out. Tina Ambani (right) and her sister, the late Zarna Somaia On March 29, after a prolonged illness, Zarna Somaia said a quiet goodbye. She left with the same dignity that defined her life, leaving Tina, Lina, and the family to carry forward a formidable legacy. Through the Somaia Family Foundation — dedicated to empowering ‘dreamers’ and providing education to those the world often overlooks — Zarna’s impact remains active, rather than just remembered. It is a transition from presence to purpose, proving that while a life may end, a legacy of giving never stays silent. Director’s cut Watching Sussanne Khan and Hrithik Roshan’s boys grow up, we always suspected those top-tier genes weren’t just going to sit around looking pretty — though, let’s be honest, they’re doing a stellar job at that too. Now the news is out: younger son Hridhaan is trading Mumbai’s humidity for LA’s sunshine to study filmmaking at the University of Southern California. Hridhaan Roshan It’s a refreshing pivot to a story that has us hooked: while the rest of the world expects every star kid to spend their late teens perfecting a brooding hero entry, Hridhaan is heading behind the lens to actually learn the mechanics of the craft. On Monday, mum Sussanne shared a heartfelt note on Instagram congratulating her ‘Ridz’ and basically confirming that the Roshan DNA is evolving from Greek God acting to cinematic mastermind. It was the kind of heartfelt tribute that makes you want to reach for a tissue and a glass of Chardonnay simultaneously. With big brother Hrehaan already making waves at Berklee, this household is proving to be a private talent incubator. Honestly, it’s a total power move — after all, why settle for being the face of the franchise when you can own the director’s chair and the soundtrack too? Djs, Darshans, and dosas When the Keinemusik trio landed in the city last week, they didn’t just rock Mahalakshmi Racecourse — they staged a full-blown cultural takeover. And from what we hear, they came prepped for it. Days in advance, Adam Port hit up his Insta family for the ultimate ‘Aamchi Mumbai’ hit list. The recommendations poured in thick and fast: while the masses shouted for pav bhaji and butter chicken, the ‘if you know, you know’ crowd curated a high-low gastronomic map featuring Boojee Café, Benne, Gigi, Swati Snacks, Masque, Trishna, Rameshwaram Café, Vanilla Miel, and The Bombay Canteen. &ME and Rampa in Mumbai The fans spoke, and Keinemusik listened. A few days later, DJs &ME, Rampa, and Adam were spotted crushing it at Rameshwaram Café before pivoting to a sophisticated, multi-course marathon at Masque. Trading their techno caves for the chaotic charm of Maximum City, the Berlin boys also explored sun-drenched bylanes and bustling markets, before the architects of the ‘Kloud’ officially descended on Siddhivinayak Temple for a darshan. Watching the global elite of Afro-house tackle ghee-soaked idlis and filter coffee like seasoned locals was a total mood. From temple bells to surprise Bollywood remixes, the Keinemusik collective proved one thing: if you haven’t traded the turntable for tikas and a plate of podi idlis, you haven’t truly tasted Mumbai.
01 April,2026 09:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatHarry PotterJustice to the books What excites me most is the possibility of a more detailed and faithful adaptation of the books. Several important aspects were overlooked in the films, including deeper character motivations on certain parts — like why Voldemort became who he is, or the significance of the Half-Blood Prince. Characters such as Peeves and Winky were ignored. Hermione, too, was far more complex in the books since she had a noticeably mean streak, such as when she trapped Rita Skeeter in her animagus form. I also feel certain creative decisions in adaptations can be distracting if not handled thoughtfully. Additionally, given the controversial remarks JK Rowling seems to make these days, this generation may engage differently with the merchandise.Arshia Gulrays, 28, public relations executive, Malad CommunityA richer Hogwarts I’ve always been team Gryffindor, so I’m really excited to see Harry Potter’s world again, with new characters and villains. I hope the series shows one book in each season, because the movies missed a lot of important parts. Like in the first book, there were many different challenges before the end, which made the story more fun and interesting. But in the movie, it felt very fast, and mostly just showed the chess sections. I hope the series will show all those missing parts, and take its time to tell the story as it should be told.Aarav Mathur, 10, student, Vikhroli Magic reimagined I’m looking forward to seeing the story unfold from a fresh perspective, with Harry and Ron taking on more layered roles. I hope the series leans into richer detail, offering a more immersive experience than the films. What excites me the most is seeing the magic of the books brought to life faithfully, preserving the essence that made them so special. Moments like Hermione receiving her letter, which felt vivid while reading will be wonderful to watch on screen. I’m also curious about unexplored spaces like the girls’ dormitory. Above all, I want the series to reflect what we imagined while reading and retain that original sense of wonder.Jainee Shah, 34, homemaker, Dadar Spider-manThe rebirth arc I’m excited about the emotional arc centred on Peter and MJ. Their relationship has been carefully developed; I hope it avoids a tragic turn, especially after Gwen’s fate in The Amazing Spider-Man 2. The trailer hints at a shift, with Peter shooting webs without web-shooters, suggesting a more instinctive, organic Spider-Man. This feels symbolic of a deeper transformation — stripping him back to his essence. The inclusion of Bruce Banner adds an unexpected layer, while subtle visuals hint at a broader narrative.Vaibhavee Bhatt, 24, designer, Tardeo All about action The focus on action and the scale of effort is a key takeaway. There are rumours that the Jackie Chan Stunt Team is choreographing sequences, which could bring a grounded, acrobatic style. I’m intrigued by hints that Peter may be developing organic webs, reducing reliance on mechanical shooters, and signalling a shift away from Stark technology. Reports also suggest gadgets may still feature, so the final approach remains unclear. Either way, it points to a more physically driven and immersive Spider-Man, which is exciting.Praveen Pandya, 34, stand-up comedian and engineer, Mira Road Start from scratch My expectations are high. Peter Parker appears to have lost all connections within the Marvel Cinematic Universe, and with several years since the last release, this feels like a crucial reset. The film might set a new benchmark for action, especially with multiple villains involved. I’m particularly curious about the visual shift in the suit, especially the move from red to black. More importantly, I’m interested in seeing Peter rebuild himself from the ground up, without relying on other superheroes. That sense of independence and gradual growth could define this new phase.Indranil Mukherjee, 42, consultant, Ulwe
31 March,2026 09:34 AM IST | Mumbai | Rumani GabhareIn Versova’s creative hub Aaram Nagar, Ishaan Gupta and Mansi Harkisandas, co-creators of content studio The Preface, have redone the two-storeyed bungalow that they work out of. It’s a lavish 1800 sq ft floor with vintage brass embellishments, shiny chandeliers, and an airy, naturally lit courtyard. This weekend, they invite you to a grand party to raise a toast, the kind where you’d want to show up dressed to the nines. There’s a catch, though. The soiree will soon turn into a Hollywood-inspired whodunit, with every guest (we’re looking at you) a possible suspect. Titled Murder Mystery Night, the session will have you decode clues, question invitees, and crack the code behind the murder in the property. “I was bored of going to the same few cafes in the city that look different but feel the same. We built Sira to offer creative minds who want a meaningful, immersive experience in a carefully thought out and intentionally designed space,” says Gupta. Head to their new home for a tour; just don’t forget to carry along your thinking cap. On April 5; 6 pm to 8 pmAt Sira, Bungalow 62, Jeet Nagar, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova.Log on to @onlyatsiraEntry Rs 943 Home tour The bungalow features four spaces, each serving a purpose for Mumbai’s inventive creative minds. Here’s how the duo reimagined it. Lehk: No phones here, please. This corner of the bungalow with books aims to help you kick the digital addiction. Read a book with friends, or sit down for a boardgame night. Zamaana: The heart of the property, a hall inspired by old homes in the hills of North India. Think high ceilings, chandeliers, antique brass telephones and vinyl players. The duo imagines readings, listening sessions, and supper clubs. Baag: An airy outdoor space, with ample natural light flowing in. Perfect for baithaks and intimate group jams. Dastaan: A cosy screening room with couches and bean bags. Indie filmmakers who wish to screen their flicks for a select audience will love this one. Also check out Have you been holding on to a story you wish you could share? Head to an intimate candle-lit session at the bungalow where participants will be encouraged to share real, untold stories in a safe space. ON April 1; 9 pm ENTRY Rs 283
31 March,2026 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleInconvenience unlimited Not even a luxury SUV can escape the BMC obstacle course, as Pooja Hegde discovered on Monday. Heading into a meeting at the Roy Kapur Films office, the actor’s leopard print athleisure was jungle ready — since navigating these Khar lanes is basically an urban safari! The art of the announcement Sunday arrived with a splash of joy as Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja announced the birth of their second child, a bonny baby boy. While social media erupted with a chorus of congratulations — including warm reposts from the likes of Kareena Kapoor Khan — we found ourselves looking past the announcement itself, focusing instead on the impeccable style of its delivery. Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja Given this is Sonam — a fashionista who infuses every milestone with her signature flair — we should not be surprised, but this was no cookie-cutter creative. Instead, a warm watercolour featuring a serene protagonist in a flourishing world signalled that this digital debut was distinctly the work of Dhruvi Acharya. “Sonam got in touch with me a few weeks ago through Chemould Prescott Road,” the artist confirmed. “She wanted something joyous to welcome the new baby, and so this bespoke artwork was created especially for her.” The bespoke baby announcement While creating a birth announcement is a first for the acclaimed Mumbai-based artist, this was not her first brush with the actor. “Sonam has collected my works before and is familiar with my practice, so I was happy to do this,” Dhruvi reveals. As we delve into the thought process behind the piece, the sentiment is clear: “Despite the current climate, we have a beautiful planet, and each new life delivers hope.” Dhruvi Acharya Gracing the digital announcement and select keepsake gifts, the vibrant illustration isn’t the end of this collaboration — it goes deeper. A second, separate piece has been commissioned as a personal gift for the baby — this one a formal work on canvas. It’s a fitting welcome for a child born into a family that clearly values art as much as heritage. Dance floor diplomacy If you needed proof that Mumbai’s social fabric is as flexible as a yoga instructor, Mishka Kamboj’s birthday bash at the St Regis on Saturday was it. Hosted by Aspect Global’s Aksha and Mohit Kamboj Bharatiya, the night wasn’t just a ‘Sweet 16’ — it was a masterclass in high-stakes diplomacy. Birthday girl Mishka, Shaina NC, Aksha Kamboj and Manish Munot The jaw-dropper? Aaditya Thackeray making an appearance, effectively cooling years of heated political volleys with a single guest-list entry. While many murmured about this delicate thaw, the dance floor told a very different story. There, the electric duo of Ranveer Singh and Sanjay Dutt took over, riding high on their recent blockbuster momentum. Grooving to Aari Aari, they captured the predominant mood perfectly — uninhibited, high-energy, and utterly Bollywood. From Radhika Merchant and Anant Ambani to Shaina NC and Manish Munot, the night saw a steady stream of heavy hitters making their presence felt. AP Dhillon, Shilpa Shetty (robed in red), Kaykasshan Patel, Suniel Shetty, Jackie Shroff and Preity Zinta attended too, alongside Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, capping off an eventful day. And just when the party seemed to have peaked, Shah Rukh Khan made a suave cameo, effortlessly elevating the room’s already staggering star power. With an eclectic mix of power players under one roof, the message was clear: even the sharpest rivalries can soften under the right chandelier. From ballroom to boundaries If the St Regis was Saturday’s political peace summit, the Wankhede was the victory lap. Less than 24 hours after Mishka Kamboj’s cake was cut, many of the same power players swapped their couture for jerseys to witness Mumbai Indians finally break their 14-year opening-game jinx against Kolkata Knight Riders. Rohit Sharma The list was led by Anant Ambani, with the ‘Kamboj effect’ visible in the VIP stands. Shah Rukh Khan stayed absent after the previous night’s revelry, sending his best ‘representatives’ — Suhana and AbRam Khan — to cheer for the Knights instead. Ananya Panday and Shanaya Kapoor offered backup. Meanwhile, the home side had the loudest support from Dhurandhar star Sara Arjun, who was spotted post-game with Ishaan Khatter. As Rohit Sharma dismantled the KKR attack and Shardul Thakur dominated on his MI debut, the atmosphere mirrored the previous night’s energy: undeniably high-octane. It seems the city’s elite only need a few hours of sleep before they’re back at it — trading social diplomacy for stadium dominance. Party politics In a city that never sleeps and certainly never stops networking, the social circuit is the real seat of power. It’s no wonder, then, that our leaders must be as comfortable at a pre-opening puja as they are in a policy huddle. This past Saturday, Devendra Fadnavis navigated that ‘Social CM’ mandate with surgical precision. Devendra Fadnavis His marathon day began at the PULSE 2026 Summit, where he oversaw 15 MoUs worth Rs 720 crore, including a high-profile academic tie-up with the University of Leeds. By evening, he was headlining a Rs 1,800 crore hospitality pre-opening in Powai, alongside real estate royalty Vijayta and Nikhil K Raheja. Validating a dual-hotel project with 300 keys and a massive convention centre, the move signalled a major play for Mumbai’s global MICE ambitions. But the day’s diplomacy didn’t end with the industrial elite — as night fell, Fadnavis headed to Lower Parel to toast a high-profile birthday. Where the political is always personal, the party is just another podium — one where access, optics, and alliances are forged long after office hours.
31 March,2026 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Sonali Velinker KamatADVERTISEMENT
