Faded blue plaster. A mandap situated on a parapet. Festoons above the door. For a generation of Mumbaikars who grew up in chawls, these images carry memories of walking in and out of open doors. “I grew up in Dadar and Parel. I have seen the chawls, and the mills change over the years. The landscape has slowly been redrawn,” shares Amol K Patil. The artist’s latest solo, A Forest of Remembrance, opens today at Project 88 in Colaba. The exhibition is part of Patil’s larger project of the same title exhibited at the Berkeley Art Museum and Pacific Film Archive (BAMPFA), and curated by Victoria Sung, Margot Norton, and Tausif Noor in January. “The work is a reaction to the slow erasure of the BDD Chawls from the city’s landscape,” the artist reveals. The chawls were a part of Patil’s memory of the Bombay of his childhood. A Forest of Remembrance- D13, 2024, acrylic on canvas “My grandfather first arrived in Bombay, and lived near the Crawford Market, off the now-demolished fish market. He was a poet, and began a theatre community there,” he shares. The powadas he sang, and the performances he participated in were part of the Dalit revival culture, led by names such as Namdeo Dhasal. Even after the family moved to Parel, Patil would commute to the theatre space, participate, and observe the people in the chawl. A Forest of Remembrance- D16, 2024, acrylic on canvas The building in Crawford Market no longer exists. It was demolished in 2023, to make way for towers — a sign of the city’s rapid gentrification. “If you look at it, historically, the British created the BDD Chawls to attract manual workforce to the city. They would be housed in 10x12 ft houses. When India gained Independence, the system remained,” he explains. Now, the city no longer has a place for this workforce, or its culture. “Many have been offered a place in Mahul, which is far away. Countless struggle to rent a house in the neighbourhood, or even in Dadar or Parel, owing to their surname,” Patil says. This unspoken casteism is part of the systematic erasure, he adds. A Forest of Remembrance S9, 2025, Bronze Yet, the memories survive, and find a way into his creation. The exhibition features 19 paintings, or documents as Patil calls them, and 11 sculptural installations. “The works capture those little spaces within those 10x12 rooms; each room has a different colour, a different language — from Konkan to Kolhapur,” he says. Amol K Patil The sculptures capture movement and are performative, Patil suggests. “They show people trapped in the debris, the dust, the bricks, the system, and yet appear in motion,” he adds. The 38-year-old calls these people ‘a forest’. “They are the crowd of people who moved to Mumbai, and built its landscape — from its theatre, poetry, food, even the city. A community that was created around this, is slowly being erased in the name of development,” he points out. Sadly, somewhere far off from Crawford Market, in the forests of Aarey, this urban conundrum finds itself reflected. TILL December 27; 11 am to 7 pm AT Project 88, ground floor, BMP Building, Colaba
12 November,2025 04:09 PM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarEvery Bachelor of Mass Media (BMM) batch in this city — anyone who has been a part of one will attest — has one student who you can bet will go places one day. For the 2018 batch at Jai Hind College in Churchgate, that cool kid on the block was Yashraj Mehra. Had you made that bet on Mehra, it would’ve paid off last week on November 7, when the Ghatkopar resident made it to the nominations for the 68th Grammy Awards (Best Global Music Album) as a featured artiste on Siddhant Bhatia’s album Sounds of Kumbha. The Grammy story “I was catching up with old school friends over dinner in Ghatkopar when I received a message about the project being nominated. I read the message out quite casually. The scale of what had just happened didn’t sink in right away. But my friends were over the moon. They cheered for me louder than I ever have,” the 25-year-old recalls. Yashraj performs at a college fest in 2017 That text message was from a group comprising artistes Siddhant Bhatia, Gujarati folk sensation Aditya Gadhvi and saxophonist Lars Moller among others, who worked on Sounds of Kumbha, an album featuring live-recorded sounds from the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj. Credited as composer and lyricist on the song Wheel of Time, Yashraj is one of the youngest on the celebrated ensemble roster. The song features visuals from the Kumbh Mela in Prayagraj “The concept was a breath of fresh air for me. Sourcing music through unconventional methods adds a unique texture to the song. More importantly as a hip-hop artiste, it begged the question, can I put my thoughts across without the usual aggression associated with the genre? When I wrote the verse, it fit like a LEGO block in the rest of the song,” he recalls. Shot at the Island City Studios in Khar, the rapper’s long-distance collaboration sounds a lot like what this writer heard almost a decade ago, across college stages. “I’ve lived a life and a half after my college days, I had to adapt to the scene. This song felt like going back to being the old, vulnerable me,” he admits. Siddhant Bhatia Behind the scenes ‘Ghatkopar ka ladka’ as he calls himself on his new track, Yashraj gives credit (at least some of it) to his alma mater, Udayachal High School in Vikhroli. “While the ‘cool’ boys who played sport flaunted their absurdly large friend groups during lunch break, I would sit in my corner writing rap. It taught me the ability to isolate myself, which comes in handy even today,” he says. In college, the artiste had his own coming of age and burst onto the cultural festival scene with theatre shows, directing short films, hosting events, and rapping. As this writer recalls, it was almost impossible to be at a college festival in the city where the artiste wasn’t the topic of discussion. Lars Moller plays the saxophone during the 2025 Kumbh Mela Eminem, Mobb Deep, Wu Tang Clan, Tupac Shakur, and closer to home Vivian Fernandes aka DIVINE have a hand in ushering the young artiste to limelight, he informs us. “I would listen to albums like Nas’s Illmatic from start to finish on loop. It gave me the confidence to join rap cyphers and jams in the city. I entered the scene at the right time. DIVINE’s landmark track Jungli Sher had just been released, and the scene was booming,” he says. The admiration is mutual, he would eventually learn, when Fernandes met the rapper and gave the then 20-year-old Yashraj a pat on the back. Yashraj with DIVINE. PICS COURTESY/YASHRAJ MEHRA ON INSTAGRAM Fast forward The rapper might soon run out of boxes to tick on his bucket list. With collaborations with big-ticket rappers like Badshah and Raftaar, a solidified presence on most festival rosters, and now a Grammy nomination, we wonder what lies ahead. Aditya Gadhvi “I’m turning back. I want to revisit my older emotions, this time as a more mature artiste. I am no longer trying to prove anything to anyone. I don’t have to be flashy and loud. I would rather spend an evening with my close friends than attend at a party with the bigwigs. It keeps me sane. Sane enough to keep writing,” he signs off. Log on to: Sounds of Kumbha on Spotify and YouTube; yashraj on Instagram
12 November,2025 08:46 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleAs winter approaches, many head to the hills for a tranquil break from the city hustle. Why not move away from the predictable, and head to the coast instead? The Itchy Boots, a Bengaluru-based platform that organises women-only residencies in locations, has announced a new upcoming retreat in the final week of November in Puducherry. The trip offers a mix of a relaxing holiday and this art retreat, where participants get to engage in different ways. A view of the Dumas Guest House in Puducherry, where the last retreat was conducted (right) A visitor observes the shelves of dolls at the Live Art Museum Pragya Mittal, founder, The Itchy Boots, shares about the experience, “We will be staying at Dumas Guest House in the French Colony. It’s a simple space with a rustic vibe. Such retreats typically comprise small groups of eight people. The Puducherry plan is for three nights and four days, with a couple of art sessions per day. The sessions are done with oil pastels, in an impressionistic style of painting, simply applying colours to the canvas,” she elaborates, adding, “All materials will be provided by us; I will guide participants through it, hence, they don’t need to worry about not being skilled in sketching or drawing.” Such retreats are a draw for people from across India. “Our previous Puducherry retreat this year in February was attended by five women, from Delhi, Chennai, and Puducherry itself,” Mittal shares. “It’s a mix of cultural immersion and relaxation. We will take [participants] around the French Colony streets, and to the Golden Bridge Pottery — a famous studio known for pottery production.” The group will also be taken around different eateries, such as Tanto Pizzeria and Coromandel Cafe, while art sessions will be conducted at the guesthouse, with nature-inspired themes as well. “Other popular spots on the list include: Matrimandir in Auroville; the Live Art Museum at the Wonders of White Town Museum, which houses a variety of dolls; and watching the sunrise at Serenity Beach. On the last day, everyone shares their artworks, and takes some reflection time,” she tells us. A display at the art retreat; (right) a view of the sunrise at Promenade Beach, one of Puducherry’s most popular beaches Regarding meals, she confirms, “Breakfast and lunch are covered by us, but dinner is arranged by the guests, as after 6.30 pm, mostly everyone wants some solitary time, especially since we offer evening reflection and free time.” The standout is women individually connecting with women across ages. Participants are typically between the ages of 28 and 70, Mittal informs. “Instead of taking a vacation, the point is to connect with the local culture and quaint historic spots, which tourists would otherwise remain unaware of. Adding art to the mix only makes it more touching. Reservations are limited, so it’s best if people sign up soon,” she signs off. On November 28 to December 1 at Dumas Guest House, Dumas Street, White Town, Puducherry. Call 9686661440 (to book)Cost Rs 34,500 per person (Twin-sharing basis)
11 November,2025 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshIn the seventh age of her life, instead of slipping into lean pantaloons, as the Bard famously suggests, Susan Sarandon stepped debuted on the UK stage earlier this month in Tracy Lett’s Mary Page Marlowe. But it is not always an easy transition to make. Susan Sarandon. Pic/Getty Images Even the 79-year-old Sarandon admitted to being “terrified and excited” in an interview to the UK Vogue. But how does one push past the fear of perceptions to shift lanes in the second half of your life? Three seniors from Mumbai spill the beans about owning this journey and savouring their experience. I discovered my freedomSunila Ashok, YouTuber, 62, Thane I learned Bharatanatyam during my school years, and would accompany my father at community events. But when I got married at the age of 22, the focus shifted to education and marriage. It was during the COVID-19 pandemic when I returned to my old hobby. I would choreograph songs for my friends’ group to share on WhatsApp as a fun activity. When a teenage neighbour in the housing colony asked if anyone wants to join an online Bollywood dance class, I signed up. My children helped to set up a YouTube channel for me. In fact, Anushka [her neighbour] joined me in a choreography of ‘Aaj phir jeene ki tamanna hai’ from the film, Guide. I was initially hesitant to share my videos online. When Waheeda Rehman was nominated for the Dadasaheb Phalke Award in 2023, the video went viral. Many people thought it was her [she laughs]. The validation gave me a sense of confidence to try more dance forms. It does not always work. I attended a Bollywood dance workshop. While it was fun, I realised that the steps were too fast and not for me. That does not worry me at all. At this age, I have discovered a sense of freedom. There is no need to do things perfectly. It is fine to accept that your body has limitations. Even on YouTube, I just post something I liked doing for the fun of it. No matter your age, do something you love. Start slow, and you will realise that the joy of doing it will push the negativity away. Log on to @mayookha on YouTube Forget your past to start againArvind Kumar Upadhyay, 72, former CEO, Versova My profession was in the textile industry in Indore for over 40 years. While I was on this break, I signed up for an acting class in 2022-23. My wife put me up to it. As luck would have it, I ended up discovering a whole new career, and acting in movies, and series. When I joined the class, my peers were all teenagers or in their 20s. My acting teachers would treat me as a senior, sometimes. I would refuse, and sit on the ground just like the other students. Being with youngsters helps you to forget your age. It is not difficult to start anew. But it requires one important thing — forget the past. You have to start again at the bottom. That is where most people struggle. Learn to be unafraid to embarrass yourself. Forget what others are doing, or what your children would think. Let go of that part. Otherwise you will wallow in the past, and your body grows sick. Log on to@kumar_arvindupadhyay Never lose your sense of funVenkateswaran Akhileshwaran, 68, former pathologist, Andheri I was in my 50s when my daughter wanted to sign up for a Shiamak Davar batch. I remember asking her ‘Who is Shiamak Davar?’ She was so embarrassed. It was a 45-minute drive to Juhu, and I was bored of waiting. Instinctively, I asked someone at the troupe if I could sign up, too. They said yes, and I did. I was the oldest in the troupe, and my daughter was the youngest member. I haven’t stopped since. Venkateswaran Akhileshwaran with Aamir Khan In fact, I met many choreographers during this who called me over for auditions. You might see me in the opening song of Jagga Jasoos. I did a music video with Armaan Malik, and even with Aamir Khan in the closing track for Sitaare Zameen Par (2025). In Sitaare Zameen Par. Pic Courtesy/Zee Music Company on YouTube The “keeda” for dance was always there from college, I suppose. But we are in a culture or society where people of a certain age are told to behave a certain way. If you think of yourself as old, your brain accepts it. Retain your sense of fun. It is always better to start early in life, but start. Otherwise, you will lose out on the little time you have. Just take care of your health. As long as you are healthy, you are free. Log on to @venkyuncle
11 November,2025 08:52 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarGautam Hazarika’s latest work, The Forgotten Prisoners of World War II — that follows the stories of the Indian soldiers in the Great War — will be the focus of his talk at The Asiatic Society of Mumbai tomorrow. “We shall also have descendants from the family of some of the soldiers present, who will share their own memories,” the author revealed. On November 11; 5 pmAt The Asiatic Society of Mumbai, Fort
10 November,2025 09:38 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamA few months ago, we were at the same address, wowed by Miss Margot, a chic, upscale lounge. Cut to now — the space is reborn as The Penang Table, a Malaysian restaurant. Naturally, we must address the elephant in the room: Why did it shut down? “The idea was to create something distinct from what the market already had,” says veteran restaurateur Kishore DF, admitting, “Miss Margot was meant to be a high-end lounge — detailed, beautifully executed, no-holds-barred. Coconut Water Noodle Salad We took our time with every aspect, from design to cocktails. But Bandra has several excellent bars. Today’s audience doesn’t want to dress up for a midweek night out, and that became the challenge. Ultimately, the decision to close was purely commercial — characterised by high capital, high rent, and high running costs. I didn’t have the bandwidth to sustain it long enough to break even.” Now, he’s back to the bistro format, similar to Tanjore Tiffin Room (TTR) but with a longer service window and a relaxed rhythm. “Good food and drinks are a given,” reasons co-founder Parth Purandare, “but it’s hospitality that builds loyalty.” Signature Roti Sarang In Malaysia, dishes are often served on plastic plates or banana leaves; here, they’ve been reimagined for an urban bistro setting with refined crockery and thoughtful plating. The kitchen stays true to its core — a rendang remains authentic — while adapting to modern dining sensibilities. The spotlight is on ingredients like lemongrass, pandan, tamarind, galangal, turmeric, dried chillies, and candlenut — staples of Malaysian cooking to lend depth and complexity. “The biggest challenge was creating vegetarian and vegan options,” admits head chef Mitesh Rangras. “On my many trips to Malaysia, I rarely found vegetarian fare beyond fruit or eggs (if you eat them) — it isn’t part of their culinary culture. We adapted; removed shrimp paste and fish sauce, and found new flavourful combinations.” A view of the interiors at the restaurant. Pics/Ashish Raje For drinks, we tried the Zero Proof version of Jungle Fire (Rs 950), a blend of Jose Cuervo Reposado tequila, passion fruit, galangal and orange, with a kick of Thai chilli, topped with vegan foam. Kopi-O (Rs 950) features Jose Cuervo Silver tequila that has been coconut fat-washed, combined with Kopi (coffee) and Amarula, then clarified and finished with coconut water air. Our meal began with the Nattu Kozhi Rasam (Rs 370) — a country-style chicken broth rasam featuring pulled roast chicken, which was familiar yet deeply comforting. The Tender Coconut and Avocado Salad (Rs 495) added a burst of freshness with passion fruit vinaigrette, bird’s eye chilli, and crispy shallots. The Coconut Water Noodle Salad (Rs 495) was a delicate tangle of coconut jelly noodles, candied red chilli, and vermicelli in kaffir lime vinaigrette. Among the small plates, the Sambal Chicken Roti John (Rs 475), inspired by a Penang street classic, transforms the humble sandwich into bite-sized brioche topped with spicy minced chicken and pickled chilli. A highlight is the Signature Roti Sarang (Rs 450) — a fluffy parotta ring filled with sunny-side-up eggs, minced chicken, and chilli. The Roti Canai with Soft-Boiled Egg (Rs 475) — that flaky, shredded parotta served with curry — is comfort on a plate. Ikan Bakar From the bakar bakar grill, the Ayam Penyet (Rs 550) — flattened chicken marinated with green chilli and peanut paste, then flame-grilled — packed a punch. Seafood lovers will enjoy the Sarawak Salmon Sashimi (Rs 650), which is chilled and dressed in a golden curry sauce with curry leaf oil and peanut crumble, or the Ikan Bakar (Rs 650), a fish marinated in roasted Malay curry powder, steamed in a banana leaf, and grilled to perfection. For mains, the Lamb Rendang Curry (Rs 765) — slow-cooked, aromatic, and caramelised in coconut milk and spice — pairs beautifully with Steamed Rice (Rs 285). To close, the Tropical Sin (Rs 495) seduces with coconut mousse, roti tuile, citrus glaze, and candied ginger ice cream, while the Dark Chocolate Passion (Rs 550) layers chocolate creme with passion fruit tuile, cream cheese, and a whisper of Baileys gelato — indulgence with finesse. The Penang TableOPENS TodayAT First floor, VN Sphere Mall, Linking Road, Bandra West. CALL 8591174660LOG ON TO @thepenangtable
10 November,2025 09:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak SiddiqiBillions of bilious blue blistering barnacles. If you are familiar with this desperate cry of exasperation, you are a true friend of Tintin, Snowy, Professor Calculus and the ever-annoyed Captain Haddock. Created in 1929 by Georges Remi or Herge, the young Belgian journalist redefined the idea of adventure for many children. For Anirudh Dawar (right), owner, Maya Toy Store, it was an adventure he grew up with. This year, the 75-year-old toy store in the Capital acquired the rights as the official Indian merchandisers from the Belgian studio, Moulinsarts. “The studio completed 100 years in 2024. If you measure popularity though, it is most popular among fans in Kolkata. This comes down to the fact that Tintin, apart from being published in French and English, has also been published in Bengali. It also has a strong connection to collectors and fans who grew up in the 1970s and 1980s, reading the comics, watching the cartoons on television,” Dawar admits. The store’s online collection is a treasure hoard for fans with collectibles, posters, cups, postcards to model cars. “We have all the model cars as well as biplanes depicted in the books,” Dawar shares. LOG ON TO mayatoys.in (for all merchandise)CALL 9811381334 (Janpath, New Delhi) The Guide’s top picks Dynamic duoNothing adds quirk to your collection like the series’ bumbling detective duo Thomson and Thompson in striped bathing suits.Cost: Rs 1599 Tintin and Snowy watchWear your love for Tintin on your sleeve with this collector’s edition timepiece.Cost: Rs 9999 Learn from the masterLearn the secret to Herge clean lines and immortal art, with the collector’s edition publication of The Art of Herge.Cost: Rs 3999 Space memoriesFor a generation, the red-and-white checkered rocket from Destination Moon was the first imagery of the era’s space race.Cost: Rs 699 Post it up Looking to impress with your Christmas messages? Try these pop-up postcards from The Calculus Affair.Cost: Rs 599 Magnetic appealGet your Tintin love on the fridge with this set of magnet collectiblesCost: Rs 1199 Clean cuts This one might be just for the loyal fans to keep with your personal toiletries.Cost: Rs 999 For the car connoisseursNothing says Tintin like the memory of classic cars. If you are a fan, then do not miss this taxi model from the The Curse of the Incas.Cost: Rs 8999 Bags of funIf you are looking to style up your shopping trip, pick up this semi-waterproof carry bag for your next outing.Cost: Rs 699
10 November,2025 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIf you told us a rapper named Young Cardamom would one day become the Mayor of New York City, quote India’s first Prime Minister Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru in his winning speech, and finish it with the Dhoom title track, all while standing alongside his wife, Rama Duwaji, whom he met on online dating app Hinge, we’d call it a Gen Z fever dream. New York City’s Mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani with wife Rama Duwaji (left) after his address at the Election Night Watch. PIC/GETTY IMAGES Among other commendable feats, Zohran Mamdani, aka Young Cardamom, might have created history by being the first NYC mayor who has a street rapper alias. Closer to home, in Mumbai, a small section of young, ambitious rappers have been using their voice to bring attention to civic issues. With the much-delayed BMC elections expected to be announced soon, the artistes remind us of the issues that matter for Mumbai. We’re in a soup There might be a reason behind Mumbai’s infamous annual waterlogging. In many localities, inadequate garbage disposal, and the lack of dustbins leads to clogged drains, and thus, low lying areas bear the brunt of flooding. These waters are also ideal breeding grounds for disease. I would like to see better waste management and clean toilets in every neighbourhood. It’s exciting to see someone from the hip-hop community in a position of power. It gives us hope that hip-hop can be a gateway to change. But let’s not forget that Mumbaikars are equally to blame for incompetent administration. I would like to urge voters to not sell their future for freebies.Vedant Chorge, lawyer and rapper, Dockyard Road, @emcee_vc_ School chalein, hum? Saniya Qaiyummuddin Mistri (centre) raps on the streets of Dharavi Change must begin in the civic body-run schools in the city. Mumbai’s children deserve better infrastructure where they feel safe and motivated. Over the past few years, I have seen politicians make promises to renovate old schools, which they conveniently forget once power reaches their hands. Additionally, skill development must become a part of the syllabus as early as middle or high school. Many students cannot spend years in universities before shouldering financial responsibilities. Basic training before they graduate from school will help them find internships and part-time jobs easily.Saniya ‘MQ’ Qaiyummuddin Mistri, rapper, Dharavi,@saniya_MQ Adivasi rights matter Aklesh Sutar (centre) with the tribal women of Aarey in a music video Growing up in and around Aarey Forest, I have seen the forest shrink first-hand. With multiple infrastructural projects lined up, the native Adivasis living in the padas [hamlets] will be the first to feel the heat. We are already seeing rising cases of debris from the city being dumped in our backyards. Our green lungs cannot be turned into dump yards. Mumbai might look swankier five years from today, but it cannot come at the cost of the trees, wildlife and tribal families that call the forest their home.Aklesh Sutar aka MC Mawali, rapper and #SaveAarey activist, Aarey, @mc_mawali Love thy neighbour There is a marked increase in homeless children and families on the streets of Kurla, where I am from. One might question their legal status, but how can you expect these young children to preserve paperwork? A balanced solution must be reached upon. Until then, I’d like to see the administration treat the homeless with empathy. It doesn’t take much to be kind, but you need the right people for the job. Setting a lower limit on the level of education when it comes to candidature doesn’t sound like a bad idea.Shafi Shaikh, rapper and social worker, Kurla,@street_hiphop__ It’s in the air I have been travelling across the country to collaborate with artistes and perform at events. One thing that you notice when you enter the city limits is the sorry state of the air quality. While the air becomes un-breathable across the city, the space jam in Mumbai makes it worse. People deserve to live in dignified spaces with room to move and breathe. I would advocate for a cap on maximum rental prices in the city.Ashwini Hiremath aka Krantinaari, rapper, Andheri, @krantinaari
10 November,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleIrish novelist Bram Stoker’s creation Dracula remains one of the most terrifying literary figures. In the 1897 Gothic novel, protagonist Jonathan Harker describes what he sees: “The whole man [emerging] from the window… [crawling] down the castle wall over that dreadful abyss, face down with his cloak spreading out around him like great wings… [moving] downwards with considerable speed, just as a lizard moves along a wall.” Bram Stoker The 1901 edition featured a fairly accurate Dracula illustration for the first time. Since then, there have been 700-plus text adaptations. Here are The Guide’s top picks: Illustrated cover of the graphic novel. Pic Courtesy/amazon.in Comics. Dracula, a Graphic Novel: Retold by Michael Burgan, and illustrated by Jose Ruiz, this is a comic-style version of the classic. Through bold images and dialogues sharply borrowed from the original text, Burgan makes the story accessible to those who prefer short form writing. Burgan has also created a mini-series for younger kids, aged eight-12 years. This includes What is the Story of Dracula, with black and white images alongside the story to colour.Available Leading bookstores Hutter finds out about Count Orlok in Nosferatu (1922) Films. Nosferatu: A Symphony of Horror (1922): FW Murnau’s film is among the earliest known adaptations of Stoker’s classic on screen. Murnau made changes to the plot and characters, but credited the novel as his primary inspiration. Set in Wisborg, the film follows Hutter, his wife Ellen, and Count Orlok. Unlike the text, Hutter finds a Book of Vampires at the inn before he visits the castle. The book is later discovered by Ellen, who reads that only “a woman pure in heart” could kill the vampire by offering herself to him. While Ellen makes a sacrifice, Orlok becomes sexually attracted to her.Log on to Plex, YouTube Winona Ryder as Harker’s wife, Mina Murray in a 1992 adaptation. Pic Courtesy/Youtube . Bram Stoker’s Dracula (1992): With a star cast featuring Gary Oldman as Count Dracula, Keanu Reeves as Harker, Winona Ryder as Mina, and Anthony Hopkins as Van Helsing, Francis Ford Coppola’s film begins many years before Harker’s visit to the Count’s castle. It depicts Dracula’s wife Elisabeta’s death, which leads to his transformation into a vampire. He waits for her for centuries, and when Harker’s wife Mina appears before him, resembling Elisabeta, he believes she’s returned. Dracula embodies a wolf-like wild figure, and appears distinct from his description in the novel as well as any early depictions. Log on to Netflix TV shows. Castlevania (2017): The Gothic horror tale has been adapted into multiple video games. Castlevania was one such popular Japanese series, which released its earliest version in 1986 on Nintendo’s Famicom. This animated film is based on the series and revolves around the adventures inside the castle. It developed into a story about Trevor Belmont, the last surviving member of a family of monsters. Belmont takes up the challenge to save the nation of Wallachia from Dracula and his army summoned to end the population.Log on to Netflix A still from the animated series Castlevania. Pic Courtesy/Netflix . Dracula (2020): BBC One’s three-episode show, directed by Steven Moffat and Mark Gatiss, the creators of Sherlock, is a modern retelling of the classic. The show begins with Harker recalling what he witnessed years ago to the nuns nursing him. Most of the show is in flashback when Harker recounts his encounter with Dracula and his stay at the ominous castle. It is an unusual, fascinating adaptation that unpacks Dracula’s personality, humanises him, and inquires why he behaves the way he does.Log on to Netflix Podcast. Dracula: A Comedy of Terrors: Gordon Greenberg and Steve Rosen’s play is a humorous rewriting of the classic, which satirises the Victorian gender ideals. It maintains the premise, but it is not meant to be a faithful adaptation. This is a radio version of the play, voiced by actors of repute: John Stamos, Annaleigh Ashford, Alex Brightman, Alan Tudyk, among others. Unlike the text, which is written purely as a collection of diary notes, letters, and medical prescriptions, this has an omniscient narrator, who accentuates the mood.Log on to broadwaypodcastnetwork.com
08 November,2025 09:07 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaNearly 118 years ago in this city, a young boy named Salim Ali walked into the Bombay Natural History Society. His obsession with a Yellow-throated Sparrow he’d shot down with an air gun, sparked a lifelong commitment to the avian species for Ali, who grew up to be the Birdman of India. While there might be fewer birds, and more birders today than 1906, finding that spark is still as easy as walking into the right places. Here’s your guide to celebrate National Bird Week in Mumbai’s green oases. Dr Salim Ali. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Wowed by waders The annual flamingo migration season might be behind us, but the wetlands at TS Chanakya in Navi Mumbai are still thriving with waterfowl and wader species. Join an expert-led walk by the BNHS to learn about these birds in their natural habitat.ON November 9; 8 amAT TS Chanakya Wetlands, Nerul, Navi Mumbai.LOG ON TO @bombaynaturalhistorysocietyENTRY Rs 450 (BNHS members), Rs 550 (non-members) 1941 Year Dr Salim Ali released the Book of Indian Birds A view of the exhibition at The Mumbai Zoo. PIC COURTESY/ABHISHEK SATAM In-flight frames Coastal birds from Maharashtra’s long coastline have flocked to The Mumbai Zoo’s week-long photo exhibition. Co-organised by the Mangrove Foundation, the exhibition has a timely section dedicated titled Anthropogenic Impact — a snapshot of how human actions and apathy affect bird habitat in the city.TILL November 12; 9.30 am to 5.30 pmAT Bandstand area, The Mumbai Zoo, Byculla.ENTRY Zoo entry fees apply Karnala calling Nestled in the Sahyadris, the Karnala Bird Sanctuary is a birder’s paradise, with nearly 150 identified species. Join the young Naturalist Explorers community on a guided walk to spot common species like the Vigors Sunbird, Ashy Drongo and the White-throated Kingfisher.ON November 9; 7.30 amAT Karnala Bird Sanctuary, Raigad. CALL 8976451443 (for more details) Vigors Sunbird. PIC COURTESY/VAIBHAV HALDIPUR What’s the good bird? Join a session led by conservation expert Dr Parvish Pandya where he dissects the why and how behind bird behavior. Those brave enough to put their avian know-how to the test can stay back for the Bird Quiz Contest.ON November 11 AT Nature Interpretation Centre, Sanjay Gandhi National Park, Borivli East. CALL 8655202903 ENTRY Registration mandatory Discovery of India Get a virtual tour of the diverse bird habitats across India from the comfort of your home at a webinar by the BNHS. Programmes Head and naturalist Asif Khan will take participants on a digital journey to explore how geographical conditions, evolution, and climate influenced the distribution of birds in the country.ON November 12; 6.45 pmCALL 9325693451ENTRY Registration mandatory
08 November,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleWhile taking a stroll or driving down Madame Cama Road near Wellington Fountain Circle, there’s a chance that you might spot a vintage signboard with large, bold yellow signage, set against a dark green background on an imposing stone façade building: Chunilal Mulchand & Co. What’s even more impressive is the fact that this shop has existed in the same spot for exactly 100 years. When this writer visited the establishment, the first thing that we noticed was the busy vibe. Inside, pristine counters, the background hum of a small group of employees at work, and the crisp scent of fabric in the air greets us. One would not guess the many layers of development backing the current atmosphere, unless they spoke to someone who has seen a good chunk of it. That’s when we got chatting with the current owner, Amish Kapadia. A portrait of late founder, Chunilal Mulchand, sourced from the owner’s office. Pic Courtesy/Amish Kapadia Early days Kapadia co-owns the store with his wife, Mona; they are part of the third generation of the family running Chunilal Mulchand & Co. “I have been running the store for 39 years now. We started out in 1925 with our late founder, Shri Chunilal Mulchand; though there is no record of the exact date of inception, when it first opened as a Muir Mill Depot, during the British Raj,” he explains. “Initially, [the business] was focused on fabric for clothing — at the time, suits, shirts, dhotis, kurtas, fabric for dresses, and a few others, were popular.” In fact, the owner reveals that, even before starting out as a mill depot, Chunilal Mulchand’s location once used to be a store for Rolls-Royce cars. One section of the wall displays a few vintage photographs, including a frame of a motorcar helmed by a driver, once parked outside the present store. “It is a photo from 1915, a decade before we took over the property,” Kapadia remarks. A signboard shows the centenary celebration, as an employee dresses up the window display Turning point Those familiar with Mumbai’s (then Bombay) history will be aware of the contributions of its iconic textile mills to the city’s economic growth. Once upon a time, it was the Mecca for cotton trade during colonial rule. Kapadia recalls, “Over decades, many textile mills shuttered; we had to adapt as a business. By the 1960s, we veered away from clothing, to specialise in handloom and home furnishing fabrics instead.” Tamil Nadu is the chief location for their supplies. Chunilal’s specialty is its natural fabrics, we learn from the owner. Items sold are made of natural linen, silk, and cotton; for home décor, a few are upholstery, luxury curtains, and bed and bath linen. “Chunilal was referred to as the ‘Cotton King’ earlier, for our collections,” Kapadia shares, while multitasking between attending to customers, instructing employees, and taking the occasional phone call. He adds, “As fashion and demands changed, we moved into polyester and performance fabrics too.” The 1915 photograph of a car outside the shop’s property, when it was a Rolls-Royce store Filmy soiree Particularly fascinating is the store’s connection with Mumbai’s film industry. “This was especially prominent in the 1980s and 1990s, when our textiles featured in major films of the era. We would lend fabrics to production houses for film set props. A few examples are Red Chillies Entertainment and Dharma Productions,” Kapadia further elucidates. When we probe for any interesting stories from the silver screen, he fills us in, “I recall an episode from Veer-Zaara (2004); for a shot of barely five minutes, we crafted a 400-metre-long cloth for a curtain to be utilised as part of the scene.” Art teams for films would approach the store with detailed plans and subsequent requests for fabrics, which were eventually made according to different set designs, scenes, and purposes within the shots required. “While we didn’t directly interact with filmmakers, we have been visited by notable public figures, including industrialist Anil Ambani and his wife Tina Ambani, as well as film stars such as Rekha, Jaya Bachchan, and Shabana Azmi. Many decades back, actor Vyjayanthimala Bali and activist Kamala Nehru had also paid visits. We treat every personality like we would any other client — with simplicity,” the owner clarifies. The family business’s crest is displayed in the showroom Future forward Kapadia is confident that the 100-year-old store will move with the times, “We introduced cataloguing systems to keep up with the digital age. And whether we sell cotton, linen, or block prints, there’s enough to match modern tastes. We’ll adapt continuously,” he reassures us. AT Oriental Mansion Building, Madame Cama Road, Colaba.TIME 10 am to 7 pm LOG ON TO chunilalmulchand.com Signature items An employee lays out a canvas hammock Chunilal Mulchand & Co. is famous for two signature products: garden umbrellas and canvas hammocks, used from resorts to holiday homes and farmhouses. According to Amish Kapadia, Chunilal Mulchand is the sole manufacturer of this type of hammock in India. The same goes for the umbrellas, which come in traditional, Indian-style block-print designs.
08 November,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Trisha GhoshADVERTISEMENT
