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Groovy in Kala Ghoda: Enjoy an evening of live music at this café in Mumbai
With eateries across the city branching out to include entertainment activities and gigs in their dining spaces, the latest one to hop on the trend is Kala Ghoda-based outlet, Malido Cafe. Back with their second gig featuring musicians, Aarifah Rebello and Shreyas Iyengar, the live music performance series aims to provide a platform to the city’s independent artistes to explore their craft and connect with audiences. “We wanted to provide a cosy and informal atmosphere where music lovers can congregate and experience what the city has to offer. Along with this, there was also this idea for a series that celebrates storytelling. For those who have travelled to places and experienced other cultures may want to share their stories through art. For musicians, much of their art comes from their own experiences which creates an interesting dynamic for listeners as well,” Neville Bose, owner, summed up. ON Today; 7 pm onwardsAT Malido Cafe, Bharthania Building, C Block, Burjorji Bharucha Marg, Fort.LOG ON TO district.inCOST Rs 500
24 April,2025 09:36 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
Shakespeare for Gen Z: This play has a special focus on mental health
It is a busy morning when actor-director Akash Khurana answers our call. A premiere week can be a jittery one for most playwrights and actors, but the veteran looks to be in good spirits. His three-actor production, The Tragedy of Ham MacLear, is on its first five-day run across the city stage. “I started to revisit his works during the pandemic of COVID-19, and suddenly found them too familiar,” he admits. This, and the mental health concerns that arose in that period, sparked a re-examination of the works. “As a senior citizen myself, and having done over 40 years of theatre, I thought of the time I’d hang up my boots. For actors, memory is a big thing. It is a key tool upon which our work hinges, and we build on it,” Khurana shares. Akash Khurana in costume during a rehearsal before the premiere performance. Pics Courtesy/Akvarious Productions Echoing this thought, the shows will be followed by a conversation with mental health professionals discussing the struggle. Producer Akarsh Khurana says, “We hope to team up with educational and mental health institutions going forward.” The story of Ham MacLear revolves around a Shakespearean actor slowly descending into dementia. The play touches on the aspect of the mind that is at the core of an actor’s craft. “This is a man so imbibed in the works of Shakespeare that he speaks the verses, not in the context of a play or performance, but sometimes as a language he can recall instinctively,” Khurana explains. The play also opened in Mumbai yesterday on the birth and death anniversary of Shakespeare. “And Miguel De Cervantes, too. To think of it, the story is about a man who is tilting against the windmills of his mind. It [the timing] just fell in place,” the director laughs. The language, costume, occasion and the use of sonnets 116 and 30, play to the several layers of meta-theatre that drives the production. The name, Ham MacLear, is itself a riff off Hamlet, Macbeth and King Lear. Khurana with Mantra (left) and Garima Yajnik (right) on stage “We also wanted to explore art as therapy, where his proteges [played by Garima Yajnik and Mantra] turn to art to help him slow the decline of his mind,” Khurana shares, echoing Polonius’ line from Hamlet — Though this be madness, there is a method in’t. In that sense, the thespian has a touch of favouritism for the Bard. He remembers growing up with the verses, learning them through his educational years, and later on stage. “A larger objective was to bring these verses back to the Gen Z and Gen Alpha audience. For me, to miss out on Shakespeare is a loss incomparable. Unfortunately, these days some of the English courses also skip out on teaching the works,” he shares. ON Today, 7 pm (NCPA); April 25 to 27, 7 pm (Rangshila) AT Godrej Dance Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point; Rangshila Auditorium, Aram Nagar Part 1, Andheri West. LOG ON TO ncpamumbai.com; in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 675 onwards (NCPA); Rs 650 onwards (Rangshila)
24 April,2025 09:27 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Stand-up comedy to meditation, things to do in Mumbai this weekend
ThursdayDad jokes on Funny man Zakir Khan shares hilarious anecdotes in his brand new stand-up special, Papa Yaar. The show’s central theme is Indian dads and their idiosyncratic habits.TIME 7 pm At St Andrew’s Auditorium, St Dominic Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO in. bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 1,499 FridayUntangle your mind Pic Courtesy/NMACC Unwind after a hectic week at In-Between Echoes, a meditation and healing session by alternative healing coach, Akshat Rajan. TIME 8 pmAT Art House, NMACC, Jio World Centre, BKC. LOG ON TO in. bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 2,500 Empowering young minds Pic Courtesy/Ek Asmaan Tale Apni Shala, a children’s organisation, will be hosting a wellbeing session at HumRaahi, an arts and well-being space in Govandi.Till April 25 AT HumRaahi, 34B Natwar Parekh Colony, Govandi West.LOG ON TO @ek.aasmaan.tale on Instagram (for details) SaturdayAdventure is here A moment from the film Anytime – Utah (2024). Pic Courtesy/Banff Hegyifilm Fesztival on Youtube This weekend watch some of the most mind boggling adventures on screen at the India screening of the Banff Mountain Film Festival. The festival will screen films like Anytime – Utah, Ice Waterfalls, and Ian.Time 4 pm AT BN Vaidya Auditorium, Hindu Colony, Dadar East. LOG ON TO himalayanclub.org ENTRY Rs 400 (non-members) An abstract world Glimpses by Deepa Kulkarni. Pic courtesy/Deepa Kulkarni Step into the world of abstract paintings at Deepa Kulkarni’s The Zeal. TIME 4.30 pmAT Kamalnayan Bajaj Art Gallery, Nariman Point. SundayPaint like a professional Participants at a previous session. Pic Courtesy/DESI ARTSTUDIO on Instagram Experience palette painting from professionals who will guide you through the process of creating your own art. TIME 2 pmAT Starbucks Coffee, CBD-Belapur, Navi Mumbai. LOG ON TO in. bookmyshow.com ENTRY Rs 1,500 Tribute to a legend Exhibits at the museum (right) Gieve Patel. PICs COURTESY/JNAFMumbai; WIKIMEDIA COMMONS Acclaimed author and art curator, Ranjit Hoskote is conducting a special walkthrough of the ongoing exhibition, A Show of Hands In Memoriam: Gieve Patel. TIME 11.30 am AT JNAF Gallery, CSMVS, Fort. ENTRY Rs 150 onwards (Museum entry fees apply) A lyrical evening Shreyas Sagvekar. FILE PIC Shreyas’ Living Room is for everyone who wants to listen to stories, engage with, and enjoy the music crafted by rapper Shreyas Sagvekar. TIME 8 pmAT Jashn Studios, off Linking Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO skillboxes.comENTRY Rs 499
24 April,2025 09:18 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide Team
Embark on a birdwatching trail at eco-restored Taloja Hills
It sounds almost like a late April Fools’ scheme of sorts when we learn that an ongoing project has increased Mumbai’s green cover, instead of eating into it. Surprising as it sounds, for the past five years, iNatureWatch Foundation, in collaboration with the Maharashtra Forest Department, has been working on eco-restoration across 25 hectares of Taloja Hills in Navi Mumbai. What was barren rocky terrain doubling as “excellent heating pans for the city” as founder and researcher Dr V Shubhalaxmi puts it, is now taking shape as a biodiverse ecosystem. Restoration doesn’t only entail planting 13,000 trees (which the team did) and cordoning it off from public access, says Dr Shubhalaxmi. “Locals have been frequenting the hills for years. The goal was to strategically plant trees, build trails, beautify the terrain, and then invite them back in to see how beautiful the once desolate spot can look,” she explains. (From left) A view of the Taloja Hills site near Kharghar from 2020; the team’s eco-restoration efforts begin to add green cover to the same area. PICS COURTESY/INATUREWATCH FOUNDATION With two out of five trails now ready to be explored, the project will take its first flight alongside the birds that inhabit the hills. “Summer is the ideal time to see birds in their breeding and nesting phases. Instead of the usual leisurely sights, you’ll see birds darting across carrying twigs to build homes. You’ll want to ditch your binoculars for a full experience,” says senior naturalist and walk leader Dr Ketki Marthak. The birds will be showing off their best attire for the inaugural walk as well, we learn. Species like the Red Avadavat and the Ashy Prinia display vibrant mating plumages in summer to attract mates. “When children observe these birds, the sights become core memories,” Marthak says. Dr V Shubhalaxmi places a QR code-enabled information panel under a Palash tree To keep visitors engaged in the long run, Dr Shubhalaxmi recently stepped out to place information panels under trees like Morinda and Palash that stand tall in the area. But these mighty trees are not the naturalist’s favourite sight by far. On the contrary, she’s celebrating the tiny wild saplings, anthills, and fungi species that have started mushrooming around them. “This wild growth is a sign that the forest is now conducive to natural regeneration,” she explains. A green signal from the woods, if we may. As for animal life, the expert recalls sightings of mongooses, chameleons and hares during the restoration. “Beyond the public access areas, the wild might be hiding some bigger species, but we have left the interiors of the forest untouched. They simply did not need fixing,” she points out. A memory that Dr Shubhalaxmi holds dear is finding antler rub marks on a tree in the area. “These marks start to appear when male deer rub the velvet off their newly acquired antler growth,” she shares excitedly. A team member walks on the designated trail before the birdwalk It’s not hard to understand the team’s elation when you know that the area has historically struggled with soil quality and water retention due to complex factors. From morning walkers displacing soil, leading to unnatural growth patterns, to walking paths created by locals that lead to flooding in the monsoon, the restoration has addressed all issues at hand for now. “But there’s only so much we can do,” the expert says. “We might not like to admit it, but the area has a recurring vandalism problem. Year after year, we’ve seen people sneak in and chop down branches, uproot plants, or start a wildfire just for the thrill of it,” she sighs. Dr Ketki Marthak Currently under the care of iNatureWatch for a short period, the trails will soon be handed over to the care of the Forest Department and the citizens of Navi Mumbai. The Foundation is now looking for ‘trail stewards’ or naturalist groups who will act as guardians of parts and patches of the trails in the future. ON April 27; 7 am to 9 amAT Taloja Hills entrance, opposite Hyde Park, Kharghar. LOG ON TO @inaturewatch (registration mandatory) Go greenHead out to these offbeat nature walks this month A tribal day in natureJoin this experiential walk that will introduce you to the tribal way of life including foraging, painting and traditional cooking. ON April 26; 3.30 pm AT Aarey EcoVillage, Aarey Forest, Goregaon. CALL 8976451433ENTRY Revealed on request Night in the forestSpend a night under the starlit skies of Aarey Forest in this rare nighttime trail. ON April 26 and 27 AT Bombay Natural History Society Conservation Education Centre, Goregaon East. CALL 983317354ENTRY Revealed on request Mushroom farming Forage wild mushrooms under expert supervision.ON April 27; 8.30 am AT Maharashtra Nature Park, Mahim. LOG ON TO @naturalistex ENTRY Revealed on request
24 April,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
World Book Day 2025: Creative artistes reveal books that shaped their lives
Childhood memoriesAnkur Tewari, musician-composer I must admit that I read less books than I should. My preferred genre is non-fiction; fiction makes my mind wander. One of my favourites is Just Kids by Patti Smith alongside Andre Agassi’s Open and Basharat Peer’s Curfewed Nights. A panel from a Balbharati book with art made by Mario Miranda. Pic Courtesy/Mario Miranda Gallery I personally love Bandra Buggers by Clement DeSylva — from and about the place I live in and love. But if I had to go back to read them again, I would choose my school textbooks — the Balbharatis and English Reviewers. You never really value them in school, but I think I would enjoy them now. Reading through slumpSahil Shah, stand-up comic I read often, but like every reader, I get distracted by reels. I prefer fiction because I always want to escape reality. One of the earliest books that blew my mind was George Orwell’s 1984. Then, there is the book I credit everything for; Douglas Adams The Hitchhiker’s Guide to The Galaxy. I also love the Jack Reacher series by Lee Child. Thrill of tiny talesSheena Khalid, theatre maker I do lean towards reading fiction. I am currently reading Mumbai Murmurings by Ramu Ramanathan about the tales of Mumbai theatre. I enjoy his writing a lot, and love to find out these stories about the theatre world. Since I am writing myself, I keep returning to my little book of poems by Emily Dickinson. Read greenAmi Shroff, mixologist I read books around subjects of my interest. I am currently reading The One-Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka, a scientist and a revolutionary in many ways. He wrote this book on reducing interference farming. I am quite fascinated by permaculture, and this book has helped me understand better ways of farming. Thinker’s choiceMakarand Deshpande, actor-theatre maker While there is no one book in particular, I would set three works apart. Andrei Tarkovsky’s Sculpted in Time, his observations about art, literature, and cinema left a profound impact on me. The other work is Ashtavakra Gita, a classic text with its pointed emphasis on the now is quite relevant. I also like to go back to read Lao Tse’s Tao. It is a book that unifies the universal concepts into a singular experience. Readers’ corner >> Dreambaux LibraryThe nine-year-old library helps students and readers by providing a space where they can study. They also have an expansive book collection.TIME 8 am to 10 pm (regular days, all week) AT Malad East and West; Goregaon West; (Also at Kandivli; Borivli and Andheri) LOG ON TO dreambauxlibrary.in CALL 8369551312 FEE Rs 3,500 per month (studying); Rs 400 per month (reading) >> Shemaroo Books LibraryThis children’s favourite stocks books for toddlers from the age of two. TIME 10 am to 6 pmAT 99C, Warden Road, Cumballa Hill. >> Kahani TreeThe children’s book store is a quaint place for young readers. They have bilingual and regional language books.TIME 10 am to 6 pm AT Industry Manor, Second Floor, Prabhadevi. CALL 224306780LOG ON TO kahanitree.com >> Kitab KhanaKitab Khana has been a favourite among South Mumbai’s readers. Their active reading community hosts readings, walks and interactive sessions. Besides having a great collection, the store is also famous for its café.TIME 10.30 am to 7.30 pmAT Flora Fountain Somaiya Bhavan, Fort. CALL 261702277LOG ON TO kitabkhana.in >> Trilogy Curated Bookshop and LibraryThis circulating library boasts of a vast collection, and is also open to those who’d like to borrow books against a membership fee.TIME 11.30 am to 1.30 pm; 2.30 pm to 6.30 pmAT Carter Road, Bandra West. CALL 8080590590LOG ON TO teltrilogy.com FEE R500 onwards >> Roxy Circulating LibraryThis library houses nearly 50,000 titles and is the perfect place for readers, young and old. AT Shop no 21, Trivedi Tower, Mulund West. CALL 9323953249 LOG ON TO roxylibrary.com FEE Rs 500 onwards (per month) Also check out >> The White Crow Books & CoffeeAT Jio World Drive, BKC. CALL 8369863437 >> Fictionary BooksAT Gharaonda, National College Lane, Bandra West. LOG ON TO @fictionary-books >> Title WavesAT St Paul Media Complex, Road 24, Bandra West. CALL 8657921003 >> MCubed LibraryAT Princess Building, D’Monte Park, Bandra West.CALL 8657455688 >> Parle Book CentreAT D Joshi Marg, Vile Parle West.CALL 26188389 >> Granth Book StoreAT HM House, Juhu Tara Road, Santacruz West.CALL 9372941412 >> Majestic Book DepotAT Shivaji Mandir, opposite Plaza Cinema, Dadar West; also at Thane West. CALL 9892220239. >> Victoria Book Centre and Circulating LibraryAT Shop no 110, JN Wadia Trust Building, LJ Road, Mahim West. CALL 9820654480 >> CrosswordAT Mohammed Bhai Mansion, Kemps Corner.CALL 8530206759 >> Ideal Book CompanyAT Narayan Smruti, Chhabildas Road, Dadar West. CALL 7208226020 >> Pai’s Friend’s LibraryAT Pendse Nagar, Dombivli East.CALL 9769846807 >> Juhu ReadsON 5 pm to 7 pm (Saturday)AT Kaifi Azmi Park Juhu. >> Goregaon ReadsON 5 pm to 7 pm (Saturday)AT Raheja Garden, Goregaon. >> Bandra ReadsON 8 am to 10 pm (Sunday)AT Jogger’s Park, Carter Road, Bandra West.
23 April,2025 11:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar | Minal Sancheti
Mumbai: This session for children blends sculpting and storytelling
Parents who break into a cold sweat at the sight of mess, you might want to look away right about now. Ceramic artist Garima Sharma’s upcoming sculpting session entails some graphic scenes like squishy clay oozing between tiny fingers, smudged faces, shirts doubling as hand towels. But at least it’ll make for a good story to tell. (From left) A child adds finishing touches to a sculpture. PICS COURTESY/GARIMA SHARMA As part of Kahanikar, a storytelling initiative this Sunday, storyteller Neha Bahuguna will join Sharma in spinning an impromptu tale around miniature clay characters crafted by the tiny hands. “Children aren’t afraid of getting their hands dirty. They often tell me that it reminds them of building sand castles at the beach or playing with mud in their gardens. It’s usually the adults who need to gather a bit of courage. The only tactile experience they’re used to is tapping away on screens,” Sharma laughs. Garima Sharma (left) sculpts at a previous workshop Bahuguna’s twist ought to add some challenge to the participants’ playtime, but it’s nothing short of a challenge for the duo. Sharma explains, “We’re working on a structure where Bahuguna will tell a story set in the wild. As it progresses, the participants will pick up from the story, reimagine it, and craft characters from their imagination.” The duo lets the cat out of the bag over our conversation. We learn of a feline character who will feature in the tale. Little does it know, its fate lies in the children’s messy hands. “As the storyteller describes the cat, the curious listeners will give it a shape and form. It could be a stout short cat, or a skinny one,” Sharma tells us. “The funny part is, with children, you can never plan things in advance. They might just drop the idea and turn the character on its head,” Bahuguna laughs. An adult participant works with clay For Shweta Nadkarni, the organiser of Kahanikar, this experiment is a modest effort in making storytelling more engaging for children. “At our usual storytelling events, I noticed how children who tag along with their parents, often lose interest after a few performances. I was at a sculpting session with my eight-year-old daughter earlier this year, when the idea of blending the two practices sparked,” she recalls. While the session is aimed towards children, the doors are open for teens, collegians, parents and senior citizens who are still young at heart. As the flyer of the event puts it, ‘ages six to 99’. Neha Bahuguna and Shweta Nadkarni Once the clay story reaches a happily ever after, Nadkarni recommends you stay for the evening’s programming. Featuring veteran artistes like Arif Zakaria and livewires like Meghana Erande Joshi (who voiced the popular Doraemon character), we can bet there won’t be any children yawning in sight. ON 27 April; 2 pm to 8 pmAT Victoria Memorial School for the Blind, Arya Nagar, Tulsiwadi, Tardeo.LOG ON TO @main_kahanikarENTRY RSVP mandatory
23 April,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Follow these expert tips to style culottes this summer
Are those a pair of shorts? Is it a skirt? Or are they a pair of pants? They are culottes, and women don’t care what it looks like to the rest, as they are comfortable, tailored and stylish. As the temperature continues to rise, and the thought of May heat sounds dreadful, it’s good that culottes got designer approval on the runway at the recently concluded fashion week in the city. Designer Amit Aggarwal had male and female models in culottes crafted from a mix of fabrics at his pret showcase. Ayo Edebiri in culottes at the Inside Out 2 premiere. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Anamika Khanna chose to do an all-black layered look, and as a pop of blue, paired with a dainty, white sheer blouse for her AK|OK show. Culottes are adaptable and timeless, and can be worn for various occasions. Celebrity stylist Sugandha Sood shares tips to style culottes in more ways for summer 2025. Work it out For office wear and formal meetings, opt for tailored or pleated culottes in neutral shades like black, navy, beige, or grey. “Pair with a button-down shirt or a structured blouse tucked in. Add a blazer or cropped jacket if the weather permits. Minimal jewellery, a structured tote, and a classic wristwatch will add the finishing touches,” suggests Sood. If your office permits sneakers, they look great with culottes (ideal for travelling in Mumbai), or pointed-toe pumps or loafers work for a formal setting. Gwyneth Paltrow pulls off a casual look with a blazer. Pic Courtesy/Gwyneth Paltrow on Instagram Keep it casual Tailored culottes are a classic, but for a casual outing, you can go flow-y, and wear cotton or linen culottes in prints or pastels. “Pair with a graphic tee, a tank top, or a knotted shirt. White sneakers, espadrilles, or slip-on flats go well with this look. Accessorise with a crossbody bag, sunglasses, and layered necklaces,” suggests Sood. Wearing a casual fitted T-shirt with tailored culottes also works for a relaxed evening. It’s a date Culottes make for a cute coffee or brunch date outfit. “Pick culottes in fun prints, satin finish, or bold colours. An off-shoulder top, crop top, or ruffled blouse will add a chic touch. And dangly earrings, soft curls or beach waves will help perfect your date look,” says Sood. You can either wear block heels or wedges for this look. Amit Aggarwal. File Pic and Sugandha Sood Dinner dash For a luxe vibe, Sood suggests culottes in silk, velvet, or leather. For more glam, wear with a sequinned cami, a satin blouse, or a fitted bodysuit. “If it’s a night out, switch to strappy heels or metallic mules. Finish with a clutch, a swatch of bold lipstick, and statement earrings,” Sood sums up. Did you know? A voice against restrictive female fashion, culottes became a political statement with the beginning of the feminist movement in the 19th and early 20th Centuries. Culottes challenged traditional gender norms, were practical to be worn for women’s rights marches, and for the increasing number of women in the workforce.
23 April,2025 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Dhara Vora Sabhnani
Celebrate World Earth Day 2025 with these events in Mumbai
Snaps from the wild From butterflies and indigenous flowering trees to birds, reptiles and marine biodiversity, attend the Indian wildlife biodiversity photography exhibition to witness a series of 150 photographs from wildlife photographers across the country.ON April 22; 10 am onwards AT Maharashtra Nature Park, Sion Bandra Link Road, Dharavi. Spot nature’s wonders Children work with seeds and twigs on a treasure hunt. Pics courtesy/Seeds of Banyan Embark on a unique trail organised by Seeds of Banyan to discover the gifts of our forest in this treasure hunt. Right from dispersed cotton buds, flowers, to seeds and unique leaves — gather your findings from the hunt to make eco-friendly art pieces with the children from Aarey Forest’s many local communities.ON April 22; 9 am to 12 noon AT Seeds of Banyan office, Aarey Forest.CALL 8928909437COST Pay what you can Clean up the shores Participants at a previous beach clean-up drive. Pic courtesy/Project Mumbai Roll up your sleeves and get to work with Jallosh Clean Coasts, a beach clean-up initiative that aims to collect and clean trash, plastic and other non-biodegradable materials from the city’s shores to preserve marine biodiversity and promote waste management.FROM April 26; 7.30 am to 9.30 amAT Multiple locations (Bandra Chimbai Village, Juhu Koliwada) REGISTER projectmumbai.org Katie Bagli Small steps can make a big difference >> Taps should be used judiciously. Do not open taps to their full capacity and let water flow like a torrent. >> Try to be innovative in your approach to deal with waste. Children can take the help of adults to craft toys out of waste materials. Bamboo toothbrushes. Representation pics/istock >> If you spot someone littering, speak up and make your opinion count. Convey your objection politely but firmly. >> Celebrate special occasions like birthdays in an eco-friendly manner. Try to make decorations out of waste and avoid balloons. Snacks could be healthy foods. Instead of packed juices, try natural drinks like hibiscus sherbet. >> Donate unused items like toys, outgrown clothes to institutions for the underprivileged. >> Collect the seeds of fruits you eat like mango, custard apple, chikoo and plant them wherever you can. They will grow into trees if well nurtured. Avoid using plastic straws >> Children can use the leftover water in their bottles to water wayside plants. >> Take only as much food in your meals as you can consume. Do not waste food. >> Make sure you do not accept plastic straws for drinks. Swap plastic toothbrushes with bamboo ones, if you can. >> Children can make posters in residential areas about eco-friendly practices like waste segregation. Information courtesy: Katie Bagli, nature writer and education director, Jane Goodall Institute India
22 April,2025 09:20 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
Summer 2025: Explore these fun outdoor activities for kids in Mumbai
Nearly 45 percent of Mumbai’s children are overweight; 67 percent of them get less than an hour of outdoor playtime. If the quiet reminders before this didn’t work, perhaps these numbers should be a rude awakening for the city’s young parents. The Early Childhood Association (ECA-APER), in collaboration with the Podar Institute of Education, revealed these concerning statistics in a survey last week. “Kids prefer air-conditioned rooms to outdoor parks… They don’t like to sweat it anymore,” an expert had told mid-day in an April 17 newsarticle. Here are six outdoor activities that will have your kids running, jumping, laughing and yes, sweating. Land it right A trainer instructs a child at a gymnastics session. PIC COURTESY/GOFIGUREFITNESSindia on INSTAGRAM Your lazy post-afternoon-nap stretch has the potential to be so much more. Stretch, twist and tumble at Go Figure Fitness’s gymnastics programme for children. The collective has an exhaustive programme for children from as young as two years old. The classes are categorised into age groups, each focusing on a different set of real-life benefits. For instance, did you know an early introduction to gymnastics can help children develop stronger motor skills and co-ordination? Landing a perfect 10 doesn’t have to be the only goal. AGE GROUP 3 years and above ON Wednesdays and Fridays; 5 pm and 6 pm (below six years); 7 pm (above six years)AT Go Figure Fitness India, Kolivery Village, Vidya Nagari, Kalina, Santacruz East.LOG ON TO @gofigurefitnessindia 3 years and above Skate to the party Skaters at Somaiya Sports Academy, Sion. PIC/ASHISH RAJE Lace your roller skates up and feel the wind in your hair at guided sessions across the handful of skating tracks in Mumbai. A three pronged programme at The Skate Academy accommodates beginners and intermediates as well as professional aspirants. Beginners get to choose from speed, freestyle or artistic skating based on personal preferences. Guided by coach and veteran roller skater Ajay Shivlani, the academy promises to keep injury-minimisation at the core of its training system. AT Somaiya Sports Academy, Sion; other venues in Bandra and Ghatkopar.LOG ON TO theskateacademy.in 3 years and above Make a splash A toddlers’ swimming session in Sanpada. PIC OURTESY/MICHAELPHEPLSSWIMMING ON INSTAGRAM This quintessential summer activity isn’t going out of style any time soon. Learn swimming from certified trainers of the Michael Phelps Swimming Academy across the city. The Get Wet programme at the academy is designed for parents of toddlers as young as three years old to help their child step out of their comfort zone in the water with games. From breathing techniques to acing strokes, a step-by-step programme encompasses the fundamentals of swimming under the watch of trained lifeguards. AT Multiple locations across Andheri, Kurla, Vashi, Chembur, Sanpada, and other suburbs.LOG ON TO michaelphelpsswimming.in 3 years and above Surf excellence A surfer rides a wave in Virar. PIC COURTESY/MUMBAI SURF CLUB Surfing isn’t just for distant shores. The Mumbai Surf Club’s surfing sessions are open to participants over eight years old. While the waves are relatively high during this time of the year, expect the age bar to drop to six years in the latter half. The club is Surfing Federation of India-certified with a roster of instructors certified by the International Surfing Association (which also entails mandatory lifeguard training). Each 90-minute session begins with a briefing on the shores before hitting the waves. While riding a wave might seem exciting, be prepared to sweat it out before you sign up. ON Tuesdays closed; timings announced on a day-to-day basis AT Mumbai Surf Club, Rajodi Beach, Virar.LOG ON TO @mumbaisurfclub 8 years and above Escape the box A kickboxing session in Breach Candy. PIC COURTESY/JUNIORFIT Kick it back, literally, at this kickboxing training programme by Junior Fit, a fitness platform based in South Mumbai. The ongoing sessions in Breach Candy offers children who wish to improve stamina, build confidence, and sharpen focus a specialised one-on-one experience. For children who prefer battling the sun in familiar terrain, the platform also offers simpler at-home services for toddlers and teens. Choose from obstacle courses, aerobics sessions and yoga classes. AT Gold’s Gym, Shyam Nivas, Bhulabhai Desai Marg, Breach Candy. (At-home services available city-wide)LOG ON TO @juniorfitindia 10 years and above Out of the park A child learns a vault at a session. PIC/ATUL KAMBLE Learn how to hop, skip and jump through imaginative obstacles at the Mumbai Movement Academy’s arenas. From making giant leaps to striking the balancing act just right, children start from the basics under supervised environments. With trial courses available for those who want to test the waters before making the dive, the academy also has a children-focused summer camp around the corner. The daring stunts are overseen by Art du Deplacement and Parkour Teaching (ADAPT)-certified trainers. Given the distant deadlines for Mumbai’s roadworks, we’d call this a long-term investment. ON May 5 to 16 (summer camp)AT HVB Global Academy, Marine Drive. Other sessions in Andheri, Juhu, Bandra, Kemps Corner, Powai. LOG ON TO @mumbaimovementacademy 6-14 years
22 April,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
This two-day film festival in Mumbai aims to narrate stories from South Asia
Films as an art of storytelling have a great impact on our lives. The Asia Society of India Centre is organising a two-day film festival titled Parda Faash at NCPA’s Little Theatre. The event’s theme is The Poetry of Presence. The festival aims to narrate non-fiction stories from and about South Asia which includes India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Nepal and Sri Lanka. Inakshi Sobti, CEO, Asia Society India Centre, explains the theme of the festival, “We wanted to talk about everyday, individual lives, and how the profound lurks in the mundane.” She added, “The festival is called Parda Faash because we wanted to pull back the curtain on life in South Asia by bringing together films about the realities of life in the subcontinent, which are best expressed through the perspective of the individual. What does climate change mean for the individual walking along a vanishing mangrove? Who are the people that make up a massive public uprising? We wanted to see what happens when we observe life on the periphery of society with an open mind, and engage people in conversation through film.” Film Screening of Amid the Villus at Parda Faash 2024 The Centre aims to highlight issues in South Asia and have dialogues around it. She elaborated, “Through film, we come to see that experiences of grief, hope, and determination are not bound to India. Films can reach people in a way that is unlike anything else; people can slowly slide into the skin of a farmer, a young trans person, a classical musician and wonder how many unique, individual lives exist within the same boundaries on a map.” To have an effective conversation around independent films, they will also have panel discussions. One of the key panel discussions is on the future of independent cinema. Sobti talks about the highlight of the event, “Our closing panel is with Anand Patwardhan and the directors of Chardi Kala on the future of independent cinema; we’re hopeful that people will be provoked to slow down, feel, and respond to the conversations.” Inakshi Sobti Bruce Guthrie, Head of Theatre & Film, NCPA, said “This festival stands as a vital platform for independent, non-fiction filmmakers from across South Asia — artistes who are capturing the complexities of our time with nuance, sensitivity, and courage.” When asked about her opinion on the power of cinema, Sobti explained, “There’s a power that comes from deliberately cultivating a nuanced understanding of the world, particularly in an age of constant information bombardment. Independent cinema is a path for understanding the lives of others in our shared society, and we hope people will enjoy the films, the discussions around them, and revel in being curious around curious people.” AT April 26-27, Little Theatre, NCPA, Nariman PointTIME 10.30 am - 6.30 pmENTRY FREE
22 April,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal Sancheti
The Tokyo twist: This Bandra restaurant serves a fresh take on Japanese flavours
A chance meeting, a shared dream, and a casual collaboration, jamming around food ideas, brought together Bandra boys — chef Anand Morwani (The Big Zest, Rocketman Pizza, ex-Brewbot); Rohan Mangalorkar (The Big Zest, Rocketman Pizza, Pack-a-Pav) and Karan Gaba (Bokka Coffee, Farmers Cafe, Bombay Salad Co, and Tamari) — to create Gaijin on Linking Road. Gaijin, meaning outsider in Japanese, brings a fresh take to the table. “Hailing from a QSR background, launching a full-scale restaurant was a leap, but it felt like a risk worth taking,” says Mangalorkar. During a space scouting mission, he and Morwani bumped into Gaba at his restaurant. “We’d known each other, but that day, something clicked. We were all eyeing the same spot,” recalls Morwani. Gaba adds, “We wanted something different — fresh, grounded, and full of soul. The space chose us, not the other way around.” The concept took shape after Morwani’s month-long visit to Japan. He returned with a vision: Japanese flavours through French and Italian techniques. There are no rules, just rhythm. Tenderloin katsu vs yaki We began with mule-tea (Rs 475), a botanical concoction of liquorice, hibiscus, and earthy warmth. The space balances brutalist edges with playful sophistication. Downstairs, it’s lively, featuring a seven-tonne Suiseki stone waterfall, a bar, an omakase counter, and a vinyl-driven music vibe. The upper level is intimate — 18 seats, dimly-lit and private. Out in the back is where a Tokyo alley collides with Mumbai’s mischief — neon buzz, graffiti shutters, and eclectic signboards. Crab udon noodles The beverage menu is playful, from a gaijin’s perspective, brought to life with cocktail-inspired textured illustrations. For Mangalorkar, Morwani, and beverage manager Nischal Suman, a three-day trip to Bangkok involved sipping 180 cocktails and endless exchanges with bartenders, pushing the boundaries of ideas, techniques, and flavours along with beverage consultant Varun Sudhakar. We liked Mt Fuji (Rs 1,250) — crisp, floral, and clear, revealed dramatically in ice with two pours per cocktail. Midsummer ritual (Rs 1,050) blends guava pisco, green grape, melon liqueur, clarified milk, matcha, and sancha tea into a fruity, earthy, velvety sip. Banoffee We started with tuna akami vs. chutoro temaki (Rs 990) — a nori taco with avocado, tuna akami, and chutoro topped with wasabi foam. But our standout was the not buff carpaccio (Rs 690), a playful take on the classic combining buff carpaccio, tartar, roasted bone marrow, pickled celery, ginger-scallion slaw, and crunchy togarashi spring roll shells, finished with a parmesan-shiso balsamic glaze. The chicken gyoza (Rs 510) takes cues from Osaka’s Dotonbori street food, reimagined with edamame-jalapeño purée, soy milk beurre blanc with dashi, and a hint of rayu (Japanese chilli oil). It is topped with crispy chicken skin, more edamame, and umami-rich beurre blanc — familiar yet new. The morel mushroom (Rs 850) pairs Himalayan morels with smoked miso-enoki, duck tartare, and a white miso-takuan glaze, and is finished with fresh truffle or house-aged sushi soy for added umami. Midsummer ritual The salmon aburi with bone marrow glaze (Rs 690) features belly-cut salmon smoked tableside and glazed with slow-cooked bone marrow, offering rich layers of flavour. The tenderloin katsu vs yaki (Rs 690) recalls Dotonbori street food: tenderloin kushiyaki paired with a smoked oxtail croquette, topped with foie gras glaze and a sharp gastrique, over sweet corn purée — a nostalgic plate from Morwani. The lamb ribs (Rs 1,190) were another favourite — glazed in toban yaki and finished with crispy ginger, spicy goma, sesame seeds, and scallion curls — rich and bold, perfect for sharing. Served tableside, the crab udon noodles (Rs 1,450) had our heart. It uses every part of the crab for a bisque-style sauce. Noodles are cooked in crab stock, absorbing briny sweetness, finished with saikyo miso, fermented usu posho butter, crab foam, and chilli oil. It’s rare to see chefs give desserts the attention they deserve — many are outsourced and simply plated. But here, chef Morwani takes a hands-on approach, beginning with the brie cheesecake (Rs 790), a playful twist on a cheese board with wasabi crackers, meant to be broken, smeared, and drizzled with pink peppercorn honey. A stroll through a Kyoto garden inspires the mandarin (R740). This dessert, shaped like a fallen mandarin, features a white chocolate and cream cheese mousse laced with Cointreau, resting on a chocolate-pistachio streusel. Edible gel dewdrops, mimicking morning moisture, complete the experience. The banoffee (Rs 690) is a layered masterpiece: lime panna cotta, chocolate brownie, and roasted brûlé-ed banana topped with pecan praline and chocolate-orange ice cream. It is finished with a miso-infused coffee namesake and a shard of caramelised miso white chocolate for an unexpected umami crunch. GaijinAt Lotia Palace, Linking Road, opposite Citi Bank, Khar West.Time 12 noon to 3 pm (lunch); 7 pm to 1.30 am (dinner); Mondays closedCall 8591615552
22 April,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak Siddiqi