Mumbai Diary: Thursday Dossier

Spot the difference

A leopard decal rides along with tourists on a bus at the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) in Borivli East. 

Sea the art

Omkar Patil; (right) The illustration of a Koli fisherman. Pic Courtesy/Instagram

Artist Omkar Patil’s latest illustration reimagines the Bandra-Worli Sea Link by depicting its cables as a fishing net, with a Koli fisherman in traditional attire casting his net. “Last year, I had the opportunity to take a fishing boat with the fisherman, and used that footage for this piece,” Patil recalled. The artwork was created in three hours. “Initially, I thought of Spider-Man, because the cables resemble a web, but I felt it would be more meaningful to feature the Koli fisherman,” he explained. Patil hopes this series will encourage people to observe local heritage.

Mani-fold thought

Pic/Kirti Surve Parade

This diarist was pleasantly surprised when the officer at the polling station that she had visited to cast her vote noticed her manicured nails and reassured her with a warm smile, saying, “Don’t worry, beta; I’ll be careful not to stain them,” before applying the electoral ink. It’s moments like these, small gestures of kindness and thoughtfulness that remind us that acts like these can emerge in the unlikeliest of places, and in the most unexpected of ways.

Phool’s paradise near poll booth

The floral arrangement in the shape of the state of Maharashtra

Saying it with flowers: That’s the message of a selfie point in Juhu, urging people to take their pictures against the map of Maharashtra on Wednesday. The selfie point outside the booth at the Jamnabai Narsee school polling station, BMC garden officers said, was created using natural flowers, and was ready by 5 am on Vote Wednesday. Chakrapani Alle, assistant commissioner K West Ward, explained, “There were 1,000 marigold flowers, 1,500 Shevanti flowers and Kamini leaves used for this map.” The hugely talented BMC gardeners worked for hours to get this ready by early mandate morning. Now that’s what we call a Maha-impressive flower-power show.

Slaying it with stardust

(From left) Rima Kapadia, Soha Ali Khan, Rashi Maniar at the 50 Shades of Slay event

Worli came alive with style and empowerment at 50 Shades of Slay, Edition 5, curated by Oceana’s powerhouse sisters, Rima Kapadia and Rashi Maniar. This exclusive event featured top designers, including Rocky Star, across fashion, jewellery, accessories, home improvement, and wellness. Inaugurated by actor Soha Ali Khan and politician Poonam Mahajan, the day witnessed over 1,800 invited guests having an enjoyable shopping experience. Star-studded support was in full force with the likes of Anaita Shroff Adajania, Geeta Basra, Shiny Doshi, Candice Pinto, and Smita Bansal being present. The exhibition was a celebration of women supporting each other, where women-driven talent and business held centrestage in a show of talent and empowerment.

Fort’s Euro-style bistro-bar

Patrons at the Fort venue. File Pic

This diarist noticed a few changes in the offing when she stopped by Fort coworking adda and café, KMC*. Workers were pottering around its cosy interiors, giving us the impression that change was around the corner. Chef Niyati Rao, co-founder of NISA hospitality, confirmed that they are in the process of a makeover. “KMC* is being reimagined as a quintessential bar and bistro! Think timeless classic cocktails, bold and elegant dishes done well, and the charm of a quintessential European-style bar — all in the heart of Mumbai.” The tentative deadline of December seems a perfect Christmas gift for the city. 

Niyati Rao

Taylor-made tunes

A moment from the band’s previous performance. Pic Courtesy/Instagram

After a successful debut in Lower Parel last month, Mumbai-based band OnEmpire is set to take their unique Harry Styles-meets-Taylor Swift brand of music around the country. “We started When Harry Met Taylor as a project with the vision to bring the live experience to fans here who can’t afford the exorbitant fees to watch the pop stars perform overseas. The debut drew in a crowd of young, passionate fans,” shared member Garth D’mello, adding that fans in Bengaluru and Delhi will be the first ones to catch them live early in January 2025.