If you’ve also been keen to be a part of the big, bold and fascinating world of the fashion industry and were looking for guidance and motivation to take it up as a profession, Black Taxi Commune has got your back. They are hosting the Ones Who Made It, a live panel discussion featuring strong, inspiring voices in the field of fashion, design, and entrepreneurship. The panellists for the discussion include seasoned voices from the fields of fashion and design, notably Vikram Phadnis, Mayank Anand, Shraddha Nigam, and Sougat Paul. Mayank Anand and Shraddha Nigam Parul Gupta, moderator-founder, Black Taxi Commune, elaborates about the idea behind the session, “In the spirit of building something real and meaningful, Black Taxi has launched the Black Taxi Commune — a space for growth, resilience, and mentorship in fashion. The goal of the commune is to create a platform where fashion designers can have honest, unfiltered conversations. A place where they can share their experiences, learn from each other, lean on each other and grow together. This platform also welcomes students from design schools who want to follow a similar path, offering them mentorship and internship opportunities.” Sougat Paul and Parul Gupta. Pics courtesy/@shopblacktaxi Every profession has ups and downs. The discussion will help young fashion professionals navigate their way through hurdles and climb the success ladder. Gupta says, “This session highlights stories of failure and rejection, as they are equally important, perhaps even more.” She adds, “We especially encourage design students who aspire to build their brands, or work with independent labels to attend. You’ll get a rare chance to meet one-on-one with brand founders, ask questions, and explore potential career opportunities.” ON June 13; 3 pmAT The Kin Hotel, Sea Face, off old Cadel Road, Shivaji Park, Dadar West.LOG ON TO district.inEntry Rs 999 onwards
13 June,2025 09:33 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiIf you’ve visited Lucknow, it’s tough to not return without memories of the city’s lip-smacking, eclectic mix of street food as well as Awadhi fare. With its historic ties, spanning centuries of dynasties and royal patronage, it is fitting news that the city’s gastronomic diversity is now being pitched to be showcased at a global level. Celebrated city architect Abha Narain Lambah’s firm has prepared the proposal for Lucknow as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy. This dossier has recently been submitted by the Government of India to UNESCO. Tunday’s galouti kebabs are a Lucknow specialty, and a signature of the city’s ancient and diverse culinary tradition Speaking exclusively to mid-day, she revealed, “For the last couple of years, I have been discussing this with the Union Ministry of Culture, and especially some years ago, when Hyderabad came up for consideration [for nomination as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy]. Back then, I had informally advised the Municipal Corporation there and helped them with the Hyderabad dossier. The Uttar Pradesh State Government had contacted Abha Narain Lambah Associates to propose Lucknow for this nomination. I truly believe the city deserves the tag. I am a foodie, and I’ve had some of the most enjoyable food experiences in the city that is known for its amazing kebabs, biryani, and street food, including its world-famous chaats.” The mutton biryani from Idris. The restaurant specialises in Awadhi-style biryani, using a recipe passed down through generations She continues, “The food heritage is truly representative of the Ganga-Jamuni tehzeeb of India, where different cultures, religions, and communities co-exist; their cultural traditions are so diverse and yet, it lends richness to its culinary fabric.” Work on the dossier began in full gusto since the pitch was officially proposed. Lambah’s team made several trips to the city to add heft to the dossier. “We have been fortunate to have sampled the fabulous cuisine, and it’s not just the popular food landmarks but their culture of home cooking.” Sheermal from Mubeen’s in Lucknow; located at the Akbari Gate, it is run by the Mubeen family who trace their roots in the city to almost 300 years agp She mentions the Mahmudabad family, including the Raja of Mahmudabad’s estate and their glorious traditions of food, “that include the beautiful recipes of Awadhi cuisine.” The conservation architect makes special mention of families, including restoration architect and designer Adil Ahmad, whose mother’s recipes and stories were a wonderful treasure to dip into for their research. Lambah also cites families like the Tandons — who shared cooking traditions of the Kayasthas, as well as the Shrivastava and Mehrotra families, from the city. Abha Narain Lambah Interestingly, celebrated chef Manish Mehrotra of blockbuster restaurant, Indian Accent also had a role to play. “He was very helpful and wrote a recommendation for this nomination,” she divulged, adding, “Famous Lucknow storyteller Maroof Culmen also collaborated to create a video to capture the street food and royal cuisines on Awadh, while others like Ambika Suri and Amita Tandon helped with research on various Khatri recipes.” The end result was a dossier that paid tribute to the amalgamation of street food and home food, vegetarian and non-vegetarian food as well as the famed desserts of Lucknow. “I am confident that Lucknow has a strong case on its own merit, and should go through because it supports a large community for their livelihood, from the local chaatwalla and kulfiwalla, to home kitchens,” she reasons. The next step will be to wait for feedback, if any from UNESCO, should they need additional information. While the Union Ministry of Culture presents the dossier, it is the Union Ministry of External Affairs that stewards it towards the end, she informs. “We are all rooting for Lucknow,” she signs off, not before reminding us that such recognition offers immense potential to drive great economic engine for these nominated sites.
13 June,2025 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezDrama in ice The aptly named Mt Fuji comes encased in ice and unfolds with a theatrical reveal with the ice chipped away to unveil the bottle within. If you want drama on the table, this might be the way to go.AT Gaijin, Lotia Palace, Linking Road, Khar West.CALL 8591615552COST Rs 1050 Sunset sips Pic Courtesy/Marine Plaza The elderflower liqueur and splash of chamomile tea reduction add a soothing floral touch to this Golden hour cocktail. Sit back and sip in the company of friends for a memorable evening.AT Hotel Marine Plaza, 29, Marine Drive, Marine Lines.CALL 69451212COST Rs 900 onwards Fruity and fun Pic Courtesy/Millo A touch of Parisian passion, the Pink fiesta comes with pink gin, berry compote, lemon and sparkling wine as well as a touch of candy floss. Nothing says playful like a dash of pink in your glass.AT Millo, Times Tower, Kamala Mills Compound, Lower Parel.CALL 9808806806COST Rs 975 Touch of truffle Pic Courtesy/Donmai With gin, vermouth, Lil Blanc and truffle air, this Negroniiii is one to keep your eye on. Cloudy and light, it is worth the truffle, as they say.AT Donmai, Unit G-03, ground floor, Altimus Building, PB Marg, Worli.CALL 9730659776COST Rs 875 Style it up Pic Courtesy/KOKO With a name like Corpse reviver, this one is a classic. The touch of Luxardo maraschino triple sec and fresh lemon juice is finished with a Grande Absinthe to give it a depth to match the sweetness.AT KOKO, C 2, Kamala Mills Compound, Lower Parel. CALL 7715963030 COST Rs 950 onwards Big and bold Pic Courtesy/Across As the name suggests, Big foot is a mix of bourbon and Himalayan gin with house made amaretto adding a splendid touch.AT Across, 5, Hari Chambers, Kala Ghoda, Fort.CALL 7506128945COST Rs 875 Empire strikes back Pic Courtesy/Toast&Tonic If you are in search of something more sophisticated, try the British Raj from this curated G&T collection. Pomegranate and cinnamon shrub combined with rose petal-cucumber ice, this one is certainly a throwback.AT Toast & Tonic, Unit 1, Godrej Building, BKC. CALL 7208871559COST Rs 715 Smooth sailing Pic Courtesy/PCO Extra dry citrus infused martini layers this Velvet cocktail centred on hapusa gin. With the orange coin adding to the garnish, you can rest assured of a smooth drink.AT PCO, NRK House, SB Marg, Lower Parel.CALL 9920055588COST Rs 850 Touch of home Pic Courtesy/Hylo With its green chutney relish and lychee pearls, the Hanging garden is one to savour at convenience.AT Hylo, third floor, Building 30, K Dubash Marg, Fort.CALL 9004191901COST Rs 690 Traditional twist Pic Courtesy/Le Cafe Spice and flavour come together with this Bartender’s concoction, that has a turmeric spiced-gin with tropical pineapple juice and a soothing mix of honey and ginger syrup. Warm, sweet, and refreshing to boot.AT Le Café, Jewel of Chembur, opposite BMC Office, Chembur. CALL 67099977COST Rs 455 onwards Fruit forward Pic Courtesy/Foo If you enjoy a burst of colours in your glass, pick the Karafuru with its beefeater gin, Dhy, and the zest of lemon, orange and pineapple wheels and a touch of cherry bitters. AT Foo, G5, off New Link Road, Oshiwara, Andheri West. CALL 7715804506 COST Rs 695 onwards Indian spice Pic Courtesy/The Tanjore Tiffin Room Light and flavourful is how the Nalla neram is best described, with its smooth, aromatic blend of house infused Kahwa gin, basil, orange crisp and Indian tonic.AT The Tanjore Tiffin Room, Gate 2, Building 2, NESCO Centre, Goregaon East; Andheri; Bandra.CALL 9920279745 (Goregaon)COST Rs 750 Bring the heat Pic Courtesy/Monkey Bar Some drinks are worth a challenge, and a name like Call of the wild certainly demands one. This gin-based cocktail is paired with the heat of green mango and chilli that will kickstart any party.TILL June 14AT Monkey Bar, ground floor, Summerville, Linking Road, Bandra West.CALL 7710083222COST Rs 790
13 June,2025 09:09 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarOn this day, 83 years ago, young Anne Frank received a diary for her birthday. Little did she realise it would become one of the most treasured diaries in literature. Over the years, diaries have played a crucial role in fiction, helping reveal the inner life of their possessors or moving the plot forward. We look at six engaging diaries that became central to their storylines. James Joyce A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man: James Joyce’s classic, published in 1916, features the protagonist Stephen Dedalus’s diary, from his years at the university. He is first seen scribbling notes about aesthetics and beauty in it. Later, readers get a peek into it. Stephen wrestles with his Irish Catholic identity throughout the book. His search for spiritual, intellectual and artistic clarity is reflected in the diary. We become privy to his evolution as a young man and as an artist through it. Emily Bronte Wuthering Heights: In Emily Brontë’s novel, when Lockwood arrives at Thrushcross Grange, he gets hold of Catherine Earnshaw’s diary. It reveals Catherine’s relationship with her brother Hindley and her lover Heathcliff. Written in “unformed, childish hand”, it informs Lockwood and readers about Hindley’s treatment of Heathcliff and Catherine’s inner life. It’s interesting to note that another diary, i.e., Lockwood’s, acts as the frame narrative for a large part of the book. Rabindranath Tagore The Notebook: In Rabindranath Tagore’s short story, Uma learns to read and write, and begins scribbling sentences everywhere — on the walls and over her brother Gobindolal’s essays. Irked, Gobindolal punishes her by confiscating her pencil, but soon forgives her and gifts her a notebook to write in. When Uma turns nine, she is married off into a conservative family. She carries her notebook to the village, but each time she tries to write in it, someone snatches it away. The notebook becomes a symbol for all that is seized from her: her innocence, freedom, and her childhood. Nikolai Gogol Diary of a Madman: Nikolai Gogol’s work is one of the most iconic examples of how a writer takes the diary format and turns it around. A minor clerk writes about the day-to-day happenings in his diary. As the days pass by, the dates turn absurd like “Marchember”, “February 349”, etc., and the entries become illogical. In one, for instance, he declares himself to be the King of Spain. Gogol makes use of such absurdities to speak about social hierarchies. His protagonists display a strong desire to attain dignity and respect. Alice Walker The Color Purple: Alice Walker’s novel begins with a voice that silences the protagonist. It insists that she reveal her thoughts to no one but God. Having been abused by her father and Mister, to whom she was offered in marriage, Celie, a 14-year-old African American girl from Georgia, writes letters addressed to God. They are akin to writing a diary and they carry the same belief, trust, and privacy that a diary holds. It becomes her outlet as she carves a path for herself and moves towards freedom, not letting the burden of her trauma take control over her destiny. Jissa Jose Mudritha: Sahitya Akademi Award-shortlisted novel by Jissa Jose, translated from the Malayalam by Jayashree Kalathil, is a story about a missing woman called Mudritha. A former tour guide, Aniruddhan files a missing person’s complaint at the police station and shares no further details. However, he hands over a notebook he had maintained during his correspondence with Mudritha — a diary in six parts, which leads us into the details from this correspondence. For the policewoman Vanitha, this becomes the starting point for her investigation. Available Leading bookstores and e-stores
12 June,2025 09:44 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaThere isn’t a grimmer sight than an artificial plant catching dust on a shelf. I made an exception to the no-artificial rule at home for Setsugo’s build-it-yourself flowers. The bombax ceiba (Silk cotton tree flower) set (above) came with 104 pieces. Assembling the flower felt like I was back in Botany class at college, all over again. The 27-cm-long plastic flower makes for the ideal stress buster if you like flowers and building things. Just don’t give it to that girl you like. LOG ON TO setsugo.comCOST Rs 385
12 June,2025 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleThursdayAll about the money Catch this adaptation of Pulitzer Prize-winner John Patrick Shanley’s work, Where’s My Money, a genre-defying dark comedy that explores romance in the context of money.Time 6 pm and 8 pm At Rangshila Theatre, Aram Nagar I, Versova, Andheri West. Log On to in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 400 FridayHeal with music Pic Courtesy/Souvid Datta Break away from a divided world with sarod player Soumik Datta’s musical exploration, Travellers, that transcends temporal and geographical boundaries through an international collaboration. Time 7 pm onwardsAt G5A Warehouse, Laxmi Mills Estate, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi West. Log on to district.in Entry Rs 499 SaturdayTime it right Pic Courtesy/Trove experiences Sign up for this rare watchmaking workshop that delves into the history and mechanics of keeping time. Time 11.30 am onwards At Imperial China by Hilton, Chakala, Andheri East. CAll 8262916889 Log On to troveexperiences.comENTRY Rs 4000 Change perspectives Spiral by Madhvi Subrahmanian. Pic Courtesy/Amca Walk down to Colaba for an exhibition that questions how truth is constructed. Curated by Anupa Mehta, they foster a dialogue on perception and authenticity. Till July 10; 11 am to 6 pmAt AMCA Colaba, Royal Terrace, 58, Wodehouse Road, Colaba. SundaySmell the flowers Kali Musli. Pic Courtesy/ Wikimedia Commons Catch fresh flora such as Ground Star, Kali Musli, Dragon Stalk yam and other wonders after the first showers at the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) reserve. Time 8.30 am at Conservation Education Centre, BNHS, Film City, Goregaon East. Call 9969798447 Email programmes@bnhs.orgENTRY Rs 600 onwards Of fathers and daughters Join popular chef and restaurateur Rahul Akerkar as he brings the Father’s Day vibe to the bar with daughters, Shaan and Amalia, for a special brunch. Steel yourself for dad jokes aplenty. Chef Rahul Akerkar with daughters (left) Amalia and (right) Shaan. Pics Courtesy/Ode Time 12 pm onwards At Ode, Gate 4, Raheja Altimus, Worli.Call 9076031111 Cost Rs 2400 onwards (for two) To dads, with love Pic Courtesy/Instagram Sign off a Father’s Day weekend with Zakir Khan’s special set, Papa Yaar, that blends his signature dry humour with loving touches of nostalgia and relatable interactions with his father. Time 11.30 am At St Andrew’s Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West. Log on to in.bookmyshow.comENTRY Rs 1499 onwards
12 June,2025 09:30 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarComplete silence for two minutes that felt like an eternity. That’s how Gujarat-based filmmaker Janantik Shukla describes the mood in south Gujarat’s Dediapada taluka when the credits rolled at the first screening of his film, Mulsotan. Shukla’s story dates back to the 1980s, when the Sardar Sarovar Dam project threatened to displace tribal life. The town came together to etch a tale that involves GPS technology, Gandhian principles, and unshakeable determination. The crew works behind the scenes on the sets of Mulsotan in (right) Dediapada, Gujarat. PICS COURTESY/JANANTIK SHUKLA “I didn’t think this film would make it out of Gujarat,” says Shukla, who first stepped into the now lush green town in 2021. Tipped off by social workers Trupti and Ambrish Mehta about the movement, Shukla’s job was to bring to screen a story that hadn’t found many readers in a book with the same story. “Tribal youth was not going to read a book to know what their ancestors had been through. We needed a visual story,” he shares. Through archival footage, interactions with village elders, and panoramic drone shots, the 28-minute film becomes Dediapada’s visual journal. A pivotal movement comes when nearly 4000 farmers use GPS-enabled instruments with assistance from the Mehtas to meticulously map out their farmlands, many of which are still in review. The non-violent, democratic revolt has ensured the vast green cover in Dediapada remains intact. It makes for a worthwhile visit this monsoon, Shukla suggests. A Vasava tribal With the Mumbai-Ahmedabad High Speed Rail Corridor, aka the debated Bullet Train project gathering steam, the filmmaker admits the relevance of the film persists, albeit unfortunately. In this writer’s hometown of Dahanu, a stone’s throw away from south Gujarat, giant concrete boulders mushrooming in thick wild forests stand as testament to Shukla’s concern. “Books and films are great. But the way ahead is youth participation. Without it, these three decades of work stand the risk of being undone in 15 years,” he rues. The young protagonists of Catapults to Camera. PIC COURTESY/ROUNDGLASS SUSTAIN Hope is not lost, neither is it far away. Look eastward and you’ll see filmmaker Ashwika Kapur’s film, Catapults to Camera, that has turned into a youth movement off screen. The Green Oscar-winning filmmaker’s documentary began as an attempt to chronicle the rampant hunting culture in Jhargram, West Bengal. Things took a turn when Kapur spoke with young residents Raja, Ajay, Surajit, Tarash and Lalu; it revealed the disturbing normalisation of hunting for recreation among young boys. Janantik Shukla “When I see a bird, I kill it with a catapult,” says Raja, while Tarash beams with pride while describing the killing of a snake in the documentary. It’s hard to believe that the same children have now turned lensmen. Armed with their traditional knowledge of the forests, they are now shooting the diverse wildlife, this time through their lens. With a structured programme in place now, Raja and his friends have turned mentors for others in the village. Kapur and Shukla’s inspiring success stories will find a screen in Mumbai amid a slew of big-ticket, massy, Bollywood melodramas ruling mainstream screens; many of them running houseful. We can only hope Mumbaikars make the wiser choice today. How to get to Dediapada Road: Take the Mumbai-Ahmedabad Highway (NH 48) and drive northwards into Gujarat. Take the exit in Palsana to NH53. Exit to SH88 in Bardoli and follow the route to Chikda. Turn left to Dediapada. Rail: Board a train to the closest railway station, Bharuch. A two-hour drive will lead you to Dediapada. ON June 12; 6.30 pmAT NCPA, NCPA Marg, Nariman Point.LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.comENTRY RSVP mandatory
12 June,2025 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleYesterday, Kim Nam-joon aka RM and Kim Tae-hyung aka V, members of the Korean boy band BTS, put on their first public show in 18 months in South Korea’s Chuncheon. Fresh off their mandatory military service and dressed in forest camouflage uniform, RM picked up a saxophone and belted an impromptu saxophone solo to roaring cheers from fans, who are ironically dubbed ARMYs. With subsequent discharges lined up for today and June 21, the seven-piece band is all set for a comeback for old times’ sake. Fans hold a life-sized image of BTS member Suga. PICS COURTESY/MUMBAI BTS Far from Chuncheon, the roars are echoing here in Mumbai. A homecoming celebration by Mumbai BTS, the largest fan club in the city, will coincide with the band’s 12th anniversary on June 13. “The last time we saw the band together was in 2022. It calls for a retrospective, a celebration, and a slow evening with fans who share the same love,” admits founder Ayushre Tari. BTS perform together in 2021, before their military conscription. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The day-long event at a Korean cuisine restaurant in Powai is set to begin with live screenings of the band’s past concerts. Dancing along will be passionate fans, many of them are performers themselves. Mumbai-based K-pop singers Leo Sian and Dwijisha Katkar, for instance, are rehearsing their vocal runs while K-pop dancer Simran Gupta has the mammoth task of replicating the boyband’s signature moves on the big day. In a spin to the Korean menu featuring staples like kimchi fried rice and kimbap, the group has been brainstorming on a special drinks menu. “Each drink on the menu is a tribute to one of the seven members of BTS. We assigned them colours based on their personalities to create a rainbow-themed menu,” Tari reveals. A good mix of cocktails like Hope flame paired with mocktails such as Mono ocean will allow fans to soak in the celebrations responsibly. Ayushre Tari After hot ramen bowls are inhaled and songs are belted out in unison, what really changes for the fans with the comeback, we ask the founder. A spike in club memberships is expected, but not new. The proverbial heart has only grown fonder in the band’s absence, we learn. “We started in 2021 as a group of 30 members. The number has steadily grown through the hiatus. From a handful of 20-year-olds, we now have members as young as eight years old, and as old as 40,” she reveals. Interestingly, the club has maintained a 90 per cent majority of female members. Kimbap (PIC COURTESY/HENG BOK) What is on the cards, however, is hope for a debut Mumbai concert soon. Tari reveals details of a short conversation she had with band member J-Hope (who completed his military service in October 2024), at his concert in Bangkok last month. “I was in the VIP area adjacent to the stage when J-Hope came down to meet the fans. In the limited Korean I had learnt, I asked him if he would come to Mumbai soon. He gave me a reassuring nod,” she reveals. Hope flame (PIC COURTESY/HENG BOK) Fan Speak Snehil Dandwate, singerIt was hard to see the band leave; military service entails the threat to life at the end of the day. While the band is back, the scene has evolved in the past two years. The Korean entertainment hype is no longer new, and many K-pop bands have tasted success ever since. Given the variables, I’m still on the fence on whether BTS can ever return to their legendary status. Simran Dalvi, modelI’m not really concerned about what kind of music they will make and when. BTS has been a constant presence in my playlist and I’m just happy the band will be back once again. With talks of a world tour making the rounds, I have my fingers crossed for an India concert. I’m already brushing up on my Korean. Akanksha parmar, social media managerI screamed at my screen when I saw RM kneel down to play the saxophone yesterday. It’s a feeling you cannot explain. I have laughed, cried and danced to BTS songs in the past two years. To know that they are safe and ready to rock again is like music to my ears. I have my eyes on the debut comeback track now. ON June 13; 12 pm to 5 pmAT Heng Bok, Kailash Industrial Estate, Veer Savarkar Marg, Powai.MESSAGE @mumbai.bts (to sign up)ENTRY FEE Revealed on request
11 June,2025 05:55 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAs Pride month continues to be celebrated across the city, Bombay Closet Cleanse-Thrift Shop (BCC) is also doing something special. While their Bandra store remains in the same location, their Versova address is relocating to Goa. Using this opportunity to say goodbye, they have decided to host one last Pride-themed party called BCC Pride Party at the Versova store. The event will include a flea market where you can enjoy open mics, music performances and a drag showcase, shop for cool bargains, get poke tattoos, indulge in face painting and hair braiding. There will also be a dance floor where you can groove to some lively music. A young visitor shows off their face painting; (right) dainty earrings on sale at the flea market Alfiya Khan, co-founder, BCC, reminisces about her experience in Mumbai: “This journey has been nothing short of magical. This June, we celebrate five years of our Bandra store and two years at our Versova location. Watching perceptions shift around pre-loved shopping and building a community that values conscious consumption has been incredibly rewarding. We’ve also had the great support of changemakers like Monica Dogra, Sherry Shroff, Parul Gulati, and Gulshan Devaiah, who opened up their closets for a cause, bringing more attention to the joy and impact of mindful consumption.” Drag star Komolika Khan talks about the celebration and why one should not miss it, “There’s joy, colour, music, and most importantly, community. It’s a space where everyone is celebrated, seen, and safe, no matter how they identify. We believe events like these matter deeply in building a more inclusive future. It truly is an incredible evening that will leave your heart full, and it makes us so happy to be able to create something like this.” Alfiya Khan On: June 14, 3 pmAt: Bombay Closet Cleanse —Thrift Shop, shop no 3 and 4, New Neelam Apartments, JP Road, Jeet Nagar, Versova, Andheri WestLog on to: district.in The Guide’s top picks at the Flea Market >> Zeba Hassan & Tanya: Artworks like clay trinkets, stickers, and digital and hand-drawn illustrations, which are perfect for home decor. >> Willows by Trisha & Bayside by Prachi Goradia: Stainless steel jewellery with non-tarnish, water-resistant pieces including rings, necklaces, pendants, earrings, and handy phone charms. >> Snuggle Dost by Tushar: Handcrafted crochet gems >> Open mic: Message @bombayclosetcleanse on Instagram to sign up >> Face painting and hair braiding: Mugs by Miffy >> Poke tattoos by Trisha Arora >> Drag showcase by drag star, Komolika will bring a blend of glamour and grit.
11 June,2025 09:25 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiTo any savant onlooker, the Big Beautiful Breakup between US President Donald Trump and his billionaire-in-chief Elon Musk was but an inevitable outcome. After all, the unlikely duo had one striking thing in common — a mammoth ego. Their fallout, therefore, has been spectacular, with the former cronies trading barbs and threats (instead of their typical swooning banter) on social media. But oversized egos aren’t just limited to political circles of power; if anything, they’re almost an everyday occurrence in the corporate world. “The history of a toxic performer is very long in the world of business. That’s because their performance is typically able to blanket their toxicity — while the toxicity is experienced by people, performance is metrics based and demonstrable. With organisations being designed to focus on delivery, outcome and performance, not social harmony and congruence, the toxicity is often met with a blind eye. Hemalatha Raghuvanshi Unfortunately, every industry is littered with examples of toxic performers. Many of them are even regarded as heroes or God-like figures because of their ability to deliver results. But they leave behind bad relationships, burnt-out people and unhappy employees. In certain cases, their legacy is intertwined with a toxic societal impact,” notes Dr Brajesh Bajpai, an executive coach with a career spanning over 30 years across five industries. Falling out, falling short “In the corporate sector, such clashes can cause confusion amongst team members, even as their non-collaboration creates problems in the organisation’s daily functioning. The morale of the team drops and employees are ridden with anxiety about the future. High-priority decisions can get blocked, compromised, delayed or reversed due to ego issues, which affects operational efficiency and effectiveness,” explains Hemlatha Raghuvanshi, co-founder and chief human resource officer of Sekel Tech. The team invariably resorts to taking sides to protect themselves, which can cause them to undermine authority, she adds. Dr Brajesh Bajpai Importantly, when disagreements begin to play out in public, it can damage the image and affect the goodwill of the organisation. This, in turn, can affect the revenues, with shareholders losing confidence. It can also negatively impact any existing or future partnerships, as well as the morale of the vendors, leading to disruptions in the supply chain. Organisations must also realise that such spats have a cascading effect, leading to further clashes among teams and subordinates, she shares. Setting up safeguards According to Dr Bajpai, the most important measure that organisations can take to limit the fallout of these disagreements is to establish a very powerful board of directors. This, he says, is especially crucial when handling very senior employees. Distributed leadership is rapidly replacing a more centralised model of leadership in many workplaces. REPRESENTATION PICS/ISTOCK “The second, which comes from the banking industry and is now increasingly being used in other industries, is mandatory rotation — regulations in the banking industry ensure that organisations don’t allow people to hold one role for beyond three or five years. Another practice gaining popularity is that of mandatory leave, which involves the leader mandatorily taking a block of three weeks or so away, and handing over the reins to someone else. This is important because sometimes, it’s only when a person is not present that the truth comes to light. The third is the emerging notion of distributed leadership, which is rapidly replacing a more centralised model of leadership,” he shares. “As an organisation, it is important to establish a no-tolerance policy for public disagreements. Have the right protocols in place and monitor any aberrations closely, to ensure timely resolution. Additionally, monitor vulnerabilities and establish clear expectations and consequences. Avoid being too reliant on one person, as this can lead to a concentration of power,” suggests Raghuvanshi. For those impacted already by such a maelstrom of egos, Dr Bajpai recommends a simple but effective 3D framework: >> Don’t delay: If there is a conflict, chances are that most people already know about it. Don’t let it fester. >> Don’t dither: Do not be uncertain. Take a decisive course of action. It doesn’t necessarily matter if your decision is 100 per cent accurate. What matters is that you make it. Understand that when mired by uncertainty, other employees are seeking leaders who are decisive and can at least project confidence. >> Be directional: Don’t be distracted by the thought of only solving the crisis at hand. Instead, remember that you are responsible for the larger direction of the organisation. The crisis checklist >> If you have the misfortune of being at the receiving end of such a conflict (or are even the perpetrator), here are a few ways you can check your stride: >> Don’t wash your dirty laundry in public. Remember that communication on social media platforms is not designed for solutions. It is designed to further inflame a situation, advises Dr Bajpai. >> If you simply cannot see eye to eye, engage a mediator who has some common ground with both parties. Now that trust has broken down, such an individual could help restore channels of communication again, Dr Bajpai observes. >> Try having a face-to-face conversation that’s away from the limelight so that you can avoid any further miscommunication and clear the air about any misunderstandings. >> Avoid trading barbs, even if you know you are right. Remember, respect for the individual you are engaging with is non-negotiable.
11 June,2025 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulMary the streetie is wagging her tail, signalling that we are welcome into her world. Peter, the rescued Saluki, is a bit wary, and plays Customs Officer. Sniff. Sniff. Woof. We pass the test. “Is this part of the taxi mafia that I hear you run?” Cyrus Broacha greets us with his unmistakable brand of humour, when we alight from a kaali-peeli that drops us at his Malabar Hill residence. The sun is out, finally, and Peter and Mary are ready for their photo shoot. But the family frame is incomplete. “Madame is late; and we must wait,” Cyrus attempts a rhyme. Ayesha Broacha’s illustrations vividly showcase Franco’s life with his family, the Treasurywallas, Homi, Roxy and Perry. ILLUSTRATIONS COURTESY/AYESHA BROACHA, HARPERCOLLINS INDIA The doggies aren’t complaining, and our crew is having a blast, capturing the happy-go-lucky duo prancing on the lawn that fronts the apartment. Soon, Ayesha arrives and is aghast at Cyrus’s choice of wardrobe for the interview. “Couldn’t you find anything better?” she exclaims, referring to his bright red tee and blue shorts combination. “I think it’s fine,” Cyrus smiles. I intervene, “He is sporting mid-day’s colours.” Shoot done, we move indoors to friend and ‘second wife’ (in Ayesha’s words) Kunal Vijayakar’s ground floor home in the same building to chat about Doggie Day Out (HarperCollins), a book that heroes Franco, a talking German Shepherd, who plays neighbourhood detective. Excerpts from the interview: Mid-day(MD): How did Franco Faredoon Treasurywalla become the protagonist?Ayesha Broacha (AB): Francos are a constant in the household ever since I’ve known Cyrus; with various names, of course.Cyrus Broacha (CB): This erudite writer that you speak of, whose name is Cyrus…streams of consciousness is his style, as was with any of the greats you read growing up. I am not a prepared writer. I just let it rip. Sit at the desk…write. I get bored…write later. I’m not someone who writes a plot and tries to go there; I don’t have that craft or skill. CB: We’ve had German Shepherd Dogs (GSD) all our life until Ayesha put her foot down, and said only rescued dogs. As you can see, the power structure is clear…AB: GSDs are bought and bred, and it’s very unhealthy. One needs to stop indulging in this breeding fixation. We have plenty of streeties who are hardy dogs.CB: She wants to promote Swadeshi in every way; she ensures we buy only Indian products.Coming back to Franco, all our German Shepherds have Italian names, like Luciano, Giovanni, and so on. My dad was a big Italian opera lover, so these names are inspired from great Italian artistes. MD (to both): How did you develop the supporting characters — The Treasurywallas, Franco’s friends and the others?CB: The story is derived from the people and the dogs around us. Dogs are at the heart of our lives; the heart of India. Since my childhood, and wherever I’ve lived and travelled, I’ve always come across dogs, and they’ve left pleasant memories. How could I not include them! MD (to both): Tell us about your love affair with dogs?CB: I had returned from the US; as a freelance copywriter, I was searching for a visualiser to work on a product. Ayesha was studying at Sophia’s. After speaking on the phone, we decided to meet at Café Naaz. There were no mobiles; this was 1994. So, I told her that I would be in shorts, a tee and with a German Shepherd. Then she asked, ‘How would I know it’s you?’ As if there would be 15 of us with German Shepherds waiting at Naaz…!AB: …This is all fiction; there was no dog connect to this story.CB: She didn’t turn up but called later to say she was held up. I should have left her alone then because I can’t bear people who are not punctual.AB: I have another Café Naaz story with a dog. Cyrus at the time had a four-month-old GSD, so he asked me to check with Naaz’s proprietor if I could bring him to the café. He was this cantankerous Parsi fellow at the counter who agreed, assuming it was a puppy. Cyrus picked up the arm-full of dog, and that man threw a fit seeing the nearly-full grown canine. He wanted us to leave immediately!CB: We reached a compromise; Ayesha had to leave, and the dog stayed on.AB: Not again, Cyrus!MD (to Ayesha): How did you collaborate with Cyrus on this book?AB: I made it clear with our publisher that she was going to be the point of contact because dealing with our friend here is next to impossible. We don’t discuss work. Cyrus thinks his work is all important, and mine is never factored in.CB: I gave her a full published manuscript to work with…AB: …And yes, I really enjoyed the story. Because a lot of it is our lives and my experiences, which made it easily relatable to put into pictures.CB: May I interrupt this all-female conference…? This was the first time in years that she said nice things to me after she read my manuscript. I was stunned that she complimented my writing; in fact, I had to quickly check, ‘Is this Ayesha?’ so I called two friends to take a look if it was actually her. MD (to Ayesha): There is an inherent city vibe in the illustrations…AB: Absolutely. It’s about our lane. All the characters here are familiar to us; they are people who Cyrus has commented about. So, it was easy to transfer that into my illustrations.CB: She loves to draw from life. At the airport, if a flight is delayed; while my heart beats faster, she uses it as an opportunity to observe people and objects, and sketch their reactions. MD: How did you feel when you saw the first copy?AB: I was very pleased with the end product. I was given a free rein by the publisher to illustrate in my style; this is the way I draw in my sketchbook. The cover was challenging because it is part of a five-book series, and there had to be a synergy as per the template. I finally cracked it while on a flight. I had drawn countless versions, and then it suddenly struck me to illustrate this character as Cyrus would walk the dog, which I see all the time. It was a huge relief. MD: Will Franco return?CB: I really like Franco. German Shepherds are not the smartest, not the fastest, not the healthiest, not the most loyal. They are always second best. In many ways, he [referring to Franco] is the dog; he is always there. There could be a sequel because he is a charismatic personality. You notice how he attracts the whole community of dogs in Doggie Day Out.As a child, Dog Detective Ranjha with Pratap Sharma was one of my favourite books. When they visited my school, I was fascinated by the synergy that they shared. MD: Your advice to those who want to bring a dog home…CB: Learn to do things for the dog. The dog is often forgotten because it is looked after by the home staff. Even children don’t seem to care.AB: We have dogs in our Alibaug home, and they are free range. Even Peter and Mary are a bit caged though Cyrus ensures they don’t feel so. I strongly believe dogs shouldn’t be kept captive in the guise of loving them, where we want them to fit into our routines. MD: What are Mumbai’s favourite places to walk dogs?CB: Oval Maidan. But humans shouldn’t be around. Just leave the dogs there and return to pick them up.AB: Chowpatty is great for happy dogs. Marine Drive is also dog-friendly. MD: If this book were to be made into a movie, who would play the Treasurywallas?CB: The cast will have to be slightly elderly, in their early 50s. I will take some calls because actors have to be ready to act their age. I want John [Abraham] to play the lead role because he is half-Parsi. Do you have any suggestions for Mrs Treasurywalla? (looking at Ayesha)AB: You’ve based it on your [friend] Shenaz Treasury. She has the voice; the way she talks, it’s perfect —Cyrus is quite fond of her… MD: If you were a dog for a day in Mumbai?AB: I’m a beach bum; I would love to have a day out at Chowpatty, enjoying the sea breeze and sun with my indie friends.CB: If I had this power, I would round up an army of dogs across the world, and we would start attacking dog haters. The violence in my head is unbearable; it cannot be divulged with your readers. But justice will be served. Available: Leading bookstores and e-stores
10 June,2025 11:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Fiona FernandezADVERTISEMENT
