Tension gripped Charkop in Kandivali West, Mumbai, on Tuesday after a tragic road accident claimed the life of a seven-year-old girl, sparking protests and a road blockade by angry residents demanding strict action against those responsible. Fatal accident while crossing road The victim, identified as Ritika Chauhan, was a Class 2 student at a BMC school near Oscar Hospital. According to police, she was run over by a speeding dumper while attempting to cross the road. Officers from Charkop Police Station said Ritika lived with her parents in the Ganesh Nagar locality. The incident occurred in the afternoon when she was returning home accompanied by a neighbour. When she trying to cross the road, she came under the wheels of a dumper. The impact was severe, resulting in fatal head injuries. She was declared dead at the scene. Eyewitnesses described the accident as horrific, leaving residents and passersby in shock. Locals stage protest, block road Soon after the incident, enraged locals gathered at the spot and staged a road blockade, demanding immediate action against the driver and stricter traffic regulation in the area. The protest escalated briefly, with tensions running high. Police teams were deployed to the site to control the situation and restore order. Driver arrested, case registered The dumper driver, who was apprehended by locals immediately after the accident, was later handed over to the police. He has been arrested and booked under relevant sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), a police officer confirmed. Family in distress Ritika was the eldest of three siblings. Her family is already facing a difficult time, as her mother had delivered a baby just a few weeks ago and is reportedly unwell. Demand for compensation, probe underway Local political leaders and party workers also reached Charkop Police Station, demanding compensation for the bereaved family and strict punitive action against those responsible. Police said further investigation into the incident is ongoing.
12 April,2026 03:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Samiullah KhanA man and his three-year-old daughter were injured after a portion of ceiling plaster along with a ceiling fan collapsed in a ground-plus-one chawl in the Mumbra area of Thane district on Sunday afternoon. The incident occurred around 3.31 am at Tambewadi Chawl (also known as Devripada), near the toll naka on the Mumbra Bypass Road. The collapse took place in a room on the ground floor of the old structure, the ownership of which is yet to be ascertained. According to information received by the Thane Municipal Corporation’s Disaster Management Cell, the injured were immediately rushed to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Hospital in Kalwa for treatment. The hospital’s Chief Medical Officer, Dr Yogesh More, informed the control room about the incident. The injured have been identified as Asif Khan (32), who sustained head injuries, and his three-year-old daughter Asma Khan, who suffered minor injuries to her leg. Officials said both the injured are in stable condition after receiving medical attention. The Thane Municipal Corporation has been alerted and necessary instructions have been issued to the concerned departments for further action, including inspection of the building and assessment of required repairs or safety measures.
12 April,2026 02:47 PM IST | ThaneMaharashtra Governor Jishnu Dev Varma expressed profound grief over the passing of Padma Vibhushan awardee and iconic playback singer Asha Bhosle, who died on Sunday at the age of 92 due to multi-organ failure following multiple medical complications. Describing Asha Bhosle as a highly accomplished and talented playback singer who ruled over several generations of music lovers, he said her nearly eight-decade-long career enriched India’s cultural heritage. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis expressed deep sorrow, calling the news “extremely sad”. He said, “After Lata didi, another star from the Mangeshkar family has faded away. The beautiful garden of music has become desolate today.” Recalling a recent programme, he said Asha Bhosle had affectionately made him sing ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar’, remembering her lively spirit and versatility. तीन वर्षांपूर्वी धडाक्यात नव्वदी साजरी करणार्या ज्येष्ठ गायिका, पद्मविभूषण, महाराष्ट्र भूषण आशाताई भोसले यांच्या निधनाचे वृत्त अतिशय दु:खद आहे. त्यांच्या निधनाने मंगेशकर घराण्यातील लतादिदींनंतर आणखी एक तारा निखळला आहे. सुरांची सुंदर बाग आज उजाड झाली.आशाताईंचा आवाज म्हणजे… pic.twitter.com/pAcDLxeXqo — Devendra Fadnavis (@Dev_Fadnavis) April 12, 2026 Meanwhile, Union Minister Piyush Goyal described her as the embodiment of sweet voice and unparalleled singing and said, “Her voice was not just a confluence of notes but an unspoken bond of emotions that will remain alive in every heart. Her songs will continue to echo for generations to come.” He extended deep condolences to the family, the music fraternity, and millions of fans across the world. मधुर वाणी और अद्वितीय गायकी की प्रतिमूर्ति दीदी आशा भोसले जी ने दशकों तक भारतीय संगीत को नई ऊँचाइयों तक पहुँचाया। उनकी आवाज़ केवल सुरों का संगम नहीं, बल्कि भावनाओं का ऐसा अनकहा रिश्ता है जिसे शब्दों में बाँध पाना संभव नहीं है। एक ऐसा जुड़ाव जो हर दिल में सदा जीवित रहेगा। उनके गाए… pic.twitter.com/DEj58KaBZA — Piyush Goyal (@PiyushGoyal) April 12, 2026 Deputy CM Eknath Shinde said the passing of Asha Bhosle marks the loss of a great musical empress, calling her a bright star of Indian music whose melodies captivated the world. He said, “The ‘saptak’ of music has been orphaned; ‘Abhi Na Jao Chhodkar’ is echoing in every heart today.” A vibrant source of musical energy: Eknath Shinde Shinde added that the end of Asha Bhosle’s journey marks the end of a golden era of music. He further stated that the void left by her passing is deeply felt in every household, as if a member of the family has been lost. The Shiv Sena chief described her as not just a singer but a vibrant source of musical energy, whose versatility across bhajans, lavanis, film songs, and western-style music left an indelible mark. He also noted her Guinness World Record for the highest number of recorded songs, calling her life journey an inspiration born out of determination and resilience. गानसम्राज्ञी आशा भोसले यांच्या दुःखद निधनाने गेल्या चार पिढ्यांची मने संगीताच्या बहरात चिंबचिंब करणारा, आणि मनामनांना एका चंदेरी दुनियेच्या सफरीचा आनंद देणारा दैवी आवाज शांत झाला आहे. आशाताईंचा स्वर कानावर पडला नाही, असा दिवस गेल्या अनेक दशकांत उजाडला नाही, आणि मावळलाही नाही. या… pic.twitter.com/Y0lQV89HcU — Eknath Shinde - एकनाथ शिंदे (@mieknathshinde) April 12, 2026 Deputy CM Sunetra Ajit Pawar also paid rich tributes, stating that with Asha Bhosle’s demise, a golden era of music has ended. “The Queen of Sur (melody) has gone behind the curtain of time,” she stated in her condolence message. Pawar highlighted the legendary singer’s exceptional sweetness, versatility, and emotional depth, noting how her voice enthralled audiences for decades through thousands of songs in Hindi, Marathi, and several other Indian languages. She specially mentioned evergreen hits such as ‘Piya Tu Ab To Aaja’, ‘Dum Maro Dum’, ‘In Aankhon Ki Masti’, and ‘Chura Liya Hai Tumne’, describing Asha Bhosle's style as a beautiful blend of modernity and tradition. ज्येष्ठ गायिका आशाताई भोसले यांच्या निधनाने संगीत क्षेत्रातील एका सुवर्णयुगाचा अंत झाला असून सुरांची ‘सम्राज्ञी’ काळाच्या पडद्याआड गेली आहे. मी आशाताईंना भावपूर्ण श्रद्धांजली अर्पण करते.आशाताई भोसले यांच्या आवाजात विलक्षण माधुर्य, विविधता आणि भावनांची अप्रतिम अभिव्यक्ती होती.… pic.twitter.com/oA9TxrIM6t — Sunetra Ajit Pawar (@SunetraA_Pawar) April 12, 2026 According to official information, all medical formalities will be completed on Sunday. The public will be able to pay their last respects on April 13, Monday, from 11 am to 3 pm. Her last rites will be performed at 4 pm at Shivaji Park Crematorium with full state honours. Meanwhile, Maharashtra Cabinet Minister for Information Technology and Cultural Affairs, Ashish Shelar, called it “a sad day for the entire country and the state, marking the end of an era with the passing of Asha Bhosle.” In a deeply personal tribute, Ashish Shelar said, “Today I have lost my beloved sister. The veena of Goddess Saraswati has fallen silent. Ashatai overcame every sorrow in her life with a smile and gave immense love to me as a brother. The richness of my life has diminished today.” जगण्यातील श्रीमंती गमावली !भोगल्या दु:खाचे आनंदी गाणे गाण्याची ताकद असलेल्या... जय शारदे.. वागेश्वरी ची प्रार्थना गाणाऱ्या... कॅब्रे, लावणी, भक्ती गीत, ओवी आणि अभंगासह भावगीत, चित्रपट गीत ही विलक्षण ताकदीने गाणाऱ्या... भाषेची बंधने तोडून २० पेक्षा जास्त भाषेत गाणाऱ्या...… pic.twitter.com/lo7Tw60BjB — Adv. Ashish Shelar - ॲड. आशिष शेलार (@ShelarAshish) April 12, 2026 West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee also expressed profound sadness, remembering Asha Bhosle as a great musical genius who reigned over hearts for generations. She noted the singer’s immense popularity in Bengal and recalled that the state had conferred its highest civilian award, Bangabibhushan, on her in 2018. Nationalist Congress Party (SP) leader Rohit Pawar described Asha Bhosle’s voice as magical and mesmerising that ruled Indian music for over six decades. Maharashtra Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule also offered an emotional tribute, calling her an extraordinary personality whose contribution to music was like a university of melody. Asha Bhosle was known worldwide for her versatility — rendering everything from cabaret numbers and lavanis to bhakti geet, ovis, abhangs, and film songs in more than 20 languages. Her iconic Bhai-Beej ovi “Soniyacha Tati Ujalya Jyoti…” continues to resonate in Maharashtrian households.
12 April,2026 02:36 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentThe Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in Maharashtra’s Thane has awarded compensation of Rs 29.79 lakh to a 35-year-old man who sustained grievous injuries after a speeding private bus rammed into him in Mumbai in 2022, news agency PTI reported. In an order dated April 6, a copy of which was made available on Wednesday, MACT Member RV Mohite held that the accident occurred due to the rash and negligent driving of the bus driver and fixed joint and several liability on the vehicle owner and insurer. Accident details According to the tribunal, Mayuresh Ramesh Punekar was standing with his motorcycle in Mumbai’s Kanjurmarg area on July 8, 2022, when a private bus approached “at high and excessive speed in a rash and negligent manner” and hit him from behind. “The driver of the offending vehicle was the person who had the last opportunity to avoid the accident. There is nothing on record to show any contributory negligence on the part of the claimant,” the tribunal said. 50-lakh compensation sought Punekar had sought compensation of Rs 50 lakh. The tribunal held that the claimant had suffered 46 per cent permanent partial disability but clarified that it could not be directly equated with loss of earning capacity. The tribunal awarded a total compensation of Rs 29.79 lakh to Punekar under various heads, including loss of income, future loss, medical expenses, pain and suffering, conveyance, and special diet. The amount is to be paid with interest at the rate of 9 per cent per annum from the date of filing the petition until the deposit of the amount, the tribunal ordered. Thane MACT awards Rs 20.52 lakh compensation to family of deceased businessman killed in accident A Thane Motor Accident Claims Tribunal (MACT) in has awarded Rs 20.52 lakh in compensation to the family of a 74-year-old businessman who died in a car accident in Maharashtra’s Palghar district. The fatal car crash took place in 2022. The victim who was identified as Ganesh Gopal Chaudhari had sustained severe injuries after a collision and later died while undergoing treatment at a hospital on the same day, the news agency reported. The accident occurred on November 22, 2022, when Chaudhari was travelling by car from Vikramgad towards Nashik. A speeding four-wheeler reportedly lost control on a bend in the ghat section and crashed into his vehicle, according to the PTI. The tribunal observed that the driver of the offending vehicle was driving at an excessive speed and failed to properly judge the turn, leading to the fatal collision. Thane MACT member RV Mohite directed the vehicle owner and the insurer, Universal Sompo General Insurance Co Ltd, to jointly and severally pay the compensation. The tribunal also ordered that the amount should carry 9 per cent annual interest from the date the petition was filed. The tribunal calculated the deceased’s annual income at Rs 5.9 lakh, based on his income tax returns, before arriving at the total compensation amount. Of the awarded sum: - Rs 13.52 lakh will be paid to his wife - Rs 7 lakh will be given to his son The tribunal dismissed the insurance company’s argument that the driver did not possess a valid driving licence, holding it liable along with the vehicle owner, the news agency reported. (With PTI inputs)
12 April,2026 01:14 PM IST | Thane | mid-day online correspondentNCP (SP) MLA Rohit Pawar on Thursday met Maharashtra Congress chief Harshwardhan Sapkal, urging the party to withdraw its candidate from the Baramati bypoll to enable the unopposed election of his aunt, NCP president Sunetra Pawar. A day earlier, Sunetra Pawar had spoken to Sapkal, requesting him to ensure that the party’s candidate withdraws his nomination against her in the April 23 bypoll, PTI reported, quoting sources. The Congress had said it would withdraw from the contest only if an FIR was registered in connection with then Deputy Chief Minister Ajit Pawar’s death in a plane crash in January, which necessitated the Baramati by-election. Parth Pawar predicts Congress ‘downfall’, row escalates However, the run-up to the contest turned acrimonious after Sunetra Pawar’s son Parth Pawar recently criticised the Congress for fielding a candidate and predicted the party’s “downfall”. Rohit Pawar told PTI on Thursday that he had expressed regret over his cousin Parth Pawar’s remarks. “I am confident the Congress will take an appropriate and positive decision after consulting its leadership,” he said, reported PTI. 53 candidates file nominations for Baramati bypoll A total of 53 candidates, including Sunetra Pawar and Congress’s Akash More, have filed their nominations. The last date for withdrawal of nominations is April 9. The NCP (SP) leader said the Congress has sent the right message that justice should be delivered in the plane crash case and that an FIR should be registered in Maharashtra. “I hope Sunetra Pawar, who is in Delhi today, will meet Union minister Amit Shah and seek a CBI probe into the case,” Rohit Pawar said, adding that he has repeatedly demanded a high-level investigation into the Baramati crash. The Sharad Pawar-led NCP (SP) has announced that it will not field any candidate against Sunetra Pawar. Row over Congress fielding candidate for Baramati bypoll unnecessary: Harshwardhan Sapkal Maharashtra Congress president Harshwardhan Sapkal on Tuesday described as unnecessary the controversy surrounding the Congress decision to field a candidate in the Baramati assembly by-election. Speaking to reporters in Mumbai, Sapkal said there was no need to politicise the issue or create friction over electoral choices. He emphasised that every political party has the right to take independent decisions regarding participation in elections. Baramati bypoll becomes focal point of political debate The by-election, scheduled for April 23, has drawn significant political attention. Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister Sunetra Pawar is contesting the seat, which fell vacant after the death of her husband Ajit Pawar earlier this year. The ruling alliance had appealed for an uncontested election as a mark of respect. While parties such as the NCP (SP) and Shiv Sena (UBT), part of the Maha Vikas Aghadi, chose not to field candidates, the Congress announced Akash More as its nominee, triggering political reactions. Response to criticism from Parth Pawar The Congress decision faced criticism from Parth Pawar, who remarked that the party was facing a decline in Maharashtra and would suffer consequences for contesting against his mother. His statement sparked reactions from multiple political leaders across parties. Responding indirectly to such criticism, Sapkal reiterated that elections should be conducted with dignity and mutual respect. He stressed that democratic processes should not be overshadowed by unnecessary disputes or personal remarks. Call for maintaining democratic values and decorum Sapkal highlighted that differences of opinion among political leaders are a natural part of democracy. However, he said the focus should remain on ensuring a fair and smooth electoral process rather than engaging in avoidable controversies. He added that the Congress would soon clarify its official stance in detail regarding the by-election, indicating that further communication from the party leadership is expected. Encourages voter participation, praises civic responsibility Apart from addressing the bypoll issue, Sapkal also praised voters from Kerala residing in Mumbai who are travelling back to their home state to cast their votes. He described their efforts as a commendable example of democratic responsibility. According to him, such participation reflects the true spirit of elections as a celebration of democracy. He urged citizens to actively participate in the electoral process and contribute to higher voter turnout. The Baramati by-election continues to remain politically significant, with developments around party strategies and alliances shaping the broader discourse in Maharashtra politics. (With inputs from PTI)
12 April,2026 12:39 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondentAfter a brief spell of clean and breathable air, Mumbai’s air quality deteriorated on Sunday, slipping back into the moderate category with a light layer of haze visible across the city in the morning. According to the Central Pollution Control Board’s SAMEER app, the city recorded an air quality index (AQI) of 111, placing it in the moderate category. At this level, the air may cause breathing discomfort for people with lung and heart conditions, and those with asthma. Meanwhile, the India Meteorological Department (IMD) has predicted maximum and minimum temperatures of around 35 degrees Celsius and 24 degrees Celsius, respectively for Mumbai, indicating warm conditions alongside the decline in air quality. AQI across Mumbai AQI levels varied across different parts of Mumbai, with some areas recording higher pollution levels. Deonar reported the highest AQI at 179, followed by Bandra Kurla Complex at 165, and Andheri at 153. Borivali East recorded an AQI of 126, Byculla 115, and Chembur 107, all falling under the moderate category. Colaba remained relatively better with an AQI of 70, classified as satisfactory. In the neighbouring regions, Thane recorded an AQI of 82, while Navi Mumbai stood at 116, and Kalyan at 71, indicating mostly satisfactory to moderate air quality levels in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region. Experts advise vulnerable groups to limit prolonged outdoor exposure and take necessary precautions as pollution levels rise again. Maharashtra weather update: Heat intensifies across state; Jalgaon, Malegaon record 41 degrees Celsius Several parts of Maharashtra continue to reel under rising temperatures, with multiple districts recording above-normal heat levels, according to the Meteorological Department’s latest weather report issued at 8.30 am. Jalgaon and Malegaon emerged among the hottest locations in the state, both recording maximum temperatures of 41 degrees Celsius on Sunday. Solapur closely followed at 41.4 degrees Celsius, while Sangli (40.3 degrees Celsius), and Jeur (40 degrees Celsius) also experienced intense heat conditions. Temperatures in Marathwada In the Marathwada region, Aurangabad and Parbhani recorded highs of 39.4 degrees Celsius, while Osmanabad touched 39.6 degrees Celsius, indicating persistently warm conditions across the belt. Mumbai remained relatively cooler compared to the interior districts but continued to witness warm and humid weather. Colaba recorded a maximum temperature of 34 degrees Celsius, while Santacruz reported 34.6 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures stood at 27.4 degrees Celsius and 23.4 degrees Celsius, respectively, both slightly above normal, reflecting uncomfortable humidity levels in the city. Coastal weather In coastal areas, Dahanu recorded a high of 35 degrees Celsius, while Ratnagiri saw a maximum of 33 degrees Celsius. Harnai in Ratnagiri reported relatively high humidity levels, with morning relative humidity at 75 per cent and rising further in the evening. Meanwhile, the famous hill station, Mahabaleshwar, recorded a comparatively lower maximum temperature of 33.7 degrees Celsius, offering mild relief from the heat, while Pune division areas such as Nashik reported temperatures nearing 39 degrees Celsius. Minimum temperatures across the state showed mixed trends, with some regions like Jalgaon (20 degrees Celsius) and Malegaon (19 degrees Celsius) recording below-normal night temperatures, while cities such as Mumbai and Solapur experienced warmer nights. The IMD data also indicated varying humidity levels across Maharashtra, with coastal regions witnessing higher moisture content, while interior districts recorded relatively drier conditions. With temperatures remaining above normal in several districts, residents are likely to continue experiencing hot weather conditions, especially during the afternoon hours.
12 April,2026 12:21 PM IST | MumbaiThe Bombay High Court (HC) has passed an interim order staying a directive of the Maharashtra Charity Commissioner that had suspended elections to the Asiatic Society of Mumbai and placed the 200-year-old institution under an “administrator”. Justice Farhan P Dubash granted the interim relief after observing prima facie merit in the petitioners’ contention that the Charity Commissioner had violated principles of natural justice. The petitioners, led by Kumar Ketkar, argued that the Commissioner passed a 50-page order on March 13 blocking elections scheduled for the next day, without issuing prior notice to the Society or its managing committee, or giving them an opportunity to respond to the “Inspector Inquiry Report” that triggered the action. Senior counsel Atul Damle, appearing for the petitioners, submitted that the only notice issued before the order was addressed to the election officer on March 11—just two days earlier—and did not put the Society on notice of the proposed action. The state’s counsel sought time to file a reply, stating that no effective defence could be offered on the day. The matter will next be heard on April 16. The Charity Commissioner’s order will remain stayed until then.
12 April,2026 12:02 PM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarAn overhead equipment (OHE) breakdown between Bhayandar and Naigaon stations on Western Railway’s Mumbai Central division disrupted suburban train services on Sunday morning. According to railway officials, the disruption occurred on the down through line at around 7.52 am near kilometre marker 44/1-6. Initially, two local trains and one MEMU service were held up due to the technical snag. Officials said that one local and one MEMU have since been taken out, while the remaining EMU is in the process of being cleared. Diesel locomotive (DSL) power was being arranged to move the affected train, while a tower wagon was dispatched from Vasai Road to the site to carry out repairs. Restoration work is underway and normal services are expected to resume within an hour, officials added. More details are awaited
12 April,2026 10:42 AM IST | Mumbai | Rajendra B. AklekarA seagull convention A bunch of seagulls gather to figure their day at Gorai Jetty, Borivali (West). The entrepreneurial little flea The event will also feature performances and interactive zones Special Hangout is an unique marketplace that celebrates the talents of neurodivergent individuals and persons with disabilities, with all stalls run by them. From handmade art and crafts to delicious home-baked treats, every purchase directly supports their journey towards independence and inclusion. The event will also feature live performances, interactive zones, and a vibrant, inclusive community spirit. Come shop, engage, and be inspired —because every small step of support creates a big impact in building a more inclusive world. “This flea market is a step towards creating a world where every individual is seen, valued, and given the opportunity to shine. At Special Hangout, we believe inclusion begins with understanding — and events like these bring our community closer to that vision,” says founder Ritu Vig. The market will be held on April 25 at the World Trade Centre, Cuffe Parade, from 12 pm to 6 pm. Fun with Kapil and Borde in Pune Chandu Borde and Kapil Dev Social media was abuzz when a video of Kapil Dev bowling to golden great and former India captain, Chandu Borde surfaced recently. India’s 1983 World Cup-winning captain met Borde, 91, in Pune recently during a function at the Pune Club. By the way, Borde was one of the five selectors who picked the 1983 World Cup team. Borde played Kapil with panache of old, which underlined the adage, once a great, always a great. Borde was delighted when we informed him about how popular the video had become. In response he told us that he even received calls from his friends in Australia about the video. Talking about Australia, there’s a story about pace terror Jeff Thomson bowling to Sir Donald Bradman in the backyard of a common friend during the 1977-78 season. Thomson was then one of, if not the fastest bowler in the world and he was stunned by how the 69-year-old Bradman tackled him even though the exchange was just for fun. The burn(out) book Harnidh Kaur’s new book, The Girls Are Not Fine; (right) Harnidh Kaur It's not going to surprise anyone to learn of a Deloitte study that found that 46 per cent Indian women suffer from burnout. We’ve all lived that double shift life — work at the office, and then work on your second job as a homemaker. And then there’s the mental and emotional cost of smiling through constant interruptions at work, of managing everyone else’s emotions, and all other invisible labour. It’s a problem that Harnidh Kaur tackles head on in her new book, The Girls are Not Fine: The Cost of Ambition, Careers and Becoming (Penguin Random House India, releases on April 30). If you’re a woman who has ever struggled to set boundaries at work, and then paid the mental cost for it, this book is for you. Each chapter offers practical exercises that help readers identify their burnout and its origin, and then set boundaries. “I wrote this book because I kept having the same conversation with the women around me about how exhausted we all were, and how none of us had language for why. The Girls Are Not Fine was my attempt to understand why we were trained to perform fineness long after we stopped being fine,” says the author. A Bollywood-esque shaadi takes the stage Actors Mohan Kapur and Apoorva Arora on stage A shaadi-baarat has come to town, and it’s bigger than what you may have in mind. Marry Go Round — Let’s Blame it on Bollywood, brings a big fat Indian wedding to the stage in the form of a play. Helmed by Ashvin Gidwani of AGP World, the musical arrives in Mumbai after a successful Singapore run. It opened at NCPA on Saturday night, and unfolded like a Bollywood blooper reel gone delightfully wrong. The play begins as a dream wedding and quickly spirals. There is a headstrong bride, an ex who refuses to exit, a business heir, frantic planners, and a perpetually tipsy Colonel, all navigating emotional meltdowns, collapsing dance routines, and hashtag-worthy moments. “Bollywood is influencing not just weddings but almost every facet of culture. So how can weddings be left out?” says director Bhavna Pani. “Its infectious energy is undeniable.” The production embraces this influence unapologetically, and Pani adds, “I was very conscious of making sure this play doesn’t mock Bollywood. In fact, it’s an ode to its beauty, grandeur and irrefutable effect on Indian society. I want the audiences to get so absorbed in this dramatic world of laughter, dance and spectacle, that they can’t help but return home with absolute happiness in their hearts, feeling proud of their culture and country.” But beneath the spectacle are questions around marriage. “This script doesn’t only entertain… but also questions the conditioning we have about marriage, family, love and companionship. This wedding has a lot of unexpected twists in the plot and starts a conversation about fake vs real,” she adds.With a cast featuring Vidya Malvade, Mohan Kapur, and Apoorva Arora, the show continues on April 18 at Nehru Centre, Worli.
12 April,2026 08:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Team SMDThe flamingos that fly down to the wetlands in Navi Mumbai every year to feast on the aquatic life here, have met with a crappy welcome this year. The DPS Flamingo Lake in Nerul, which draws thousands of avid birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts keen to observe the pink birds, is overrun with sewage. This despite the fact that a wetland emergency was declared in three major waterbird habitats within the Thane Creek Flamingo Sanctuary Ramsar site. Green groups have demanded the immediate reopening of the lake’s main southern water channel from the creek, which they allegedly say was buried during construction of an access road to the water transport passenger terminal. The lake is one of the few remaining feeding grounds for the pink birds. File pic Expert opinion from a senior environmental scientist familiar with wetland ecology has reinforced fears that the lake water has turned toxic because of organic waste, making the wetland unsuitable as a feeding ground for water birds, according to a statement by NatConnect Foundation. The warning is underscored by a red flag: flamingos have not arrived at the lake this season, said NatConnect director B N Kumar. The situation has worsened, with thick sheets of algae spreading across the lake surface, turning the water body into what resembles dense sludge. Forest department teams have begun clean-up operations, Kumar said. “These thick layers of algae are not suitable for flamingos to rest or roost on,” read the NatConnect statement, quoting a scientist. When informed that local activists had also spotted froth and traces of oil on the water surface, the scientist said these could be signs of urban or industrial sewage entering the wetland. Kumar said a major drain connects to the lake through two inlets and outlets. While creek water enters the lake during high tide, sewage flowing towards the creek also finds its way into the wetland. Conservationist Jyoti Nadkarni said, “Stagnant water not being fully flushed out during low tide was also contributing to algae growth. Contaminated water does not support the microorganisms and small fish that sustain flamingos and other water birds.” Sandeep Sareen of the Navi Mumbai Environment Preservation Society, which is fighting legal battles to protect the lake, said he was shocked to see froth floating on the wetland’s surface. Activists have long demanded action NatConnect Foundation had earlier commissioned water sample testing by SSAS Laboratory, which showed severe ecological stress. Key indicators, including TDS, pH, BOD and COD, were far beyond safe limits, pointing to stagnant water, heavy organic pollution and significant chemical contamination. The environmental organisation had earlier escalated the issue to the Prime Minister’s Office in a World Water Day appeal, following which the Centre referred the matter to the Maharashtra State Wetland Authority.
12 April,2026 08:21 AM IST | Mumbai | A CorrespondentTension prevailed at Sion Hospital late on Friday after relatives of a 55-year-old labourer, Khalin Shaikh, refused to accept his body following his death during treatment. The deceased, identified as Kalim Shaikh, was working at a construction project in CGS Colony, GTB Nagar, when the incident occurred. Shaikh’s distant relatives, who live in the city, refused to accept the body, demanding proper inquiry in the matter on Friday. His son arrived here from Delhi on Saturday afternoon and consented to an autopsy after an FIR was registered against the project site supervisors. “The builder’s employees had first called us after the incident happened instead of calling an ambulance or the police for help. He may have survived if care had been provided to him rather than trying to manipulate and settle things by calling us first,” said Shaikh’s nephew. Shaikh was resting near a stack of marble tiles when the pile suddenly fell on him, injuring his spine. He collapsed on a table, hurting his chest. Doctors at Sion Hospital stated that he had succumbed to his injuries and blood loss. Though authorities from Sion Hospital informed Antop Hill police about the death immediately on Friday evening, the FIR was only registered on Saturday. “Naved Mohammed Rahim Shaikh and Nasib Alam — both site supervisors [at the TransIndia project] — have been booked under Sections 106(1) and 3(5) of BNS Act,” said DCP Ragasudha R.
12 April,2026 08:11 AM IST | Mumbai | Ritika GondhalekarADVERTISEMENT
