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Kids from Dongri set to shine on stage with adaptation of Badal's Sircar's play
It felt wonderful to be seen differently. After the show, many judges and other dignitaries spoke to us with love and respect,” recalls Jai (name changed) from his stage debut, Second Chance, a short skit that offered a glimpse into lives shaped by adversity and struggle. A year later, Jai and 18 young actors from Umerkhadi Observation and Children’s Home, Dongri, prepare to leap into the extraordinary. Last week, under the soft glow of stage lights at G5A, this writer watched their dress rehearsal for Ek Aise Gagan Ke Tale, a heartfelt adaptation of Badal Sircar’s Beyond the Land of Hattamala, which went on to have two sold-out shows. Director Sapan Saran (in pink) oversees the rehearsal This is more than a play; it’s a journey of resilience, hope, and the transformative power of art — one that redefines these young lives. What started as a 15-minute performance last year blossomed into a full-fledged production, guided by arts-based therapist Timira Gupta and Sachi Maniar, Director of Ashiyana Communities Foundation. Backed by G5A, Ashiyana Communities Foundation, BNP Paribas, and the Department of Women and Child Development, Government of Maharashtra, the project highlights the power of rehabilitation over punishment. “At Ashiyana, we believe in seeing these children as individuals full of possibilities,” says Maniar. “This isn’t just a play; it’s about shifting both the inner and outer lens — changing how these children see themselves and how the world sees them.” The cast enacts a scene Gupta, who has led drama sessions at Umerkhadi home for the past three to four years, shares, “During four months of rehearsals, I saw them develop a newfound sense of commitment, embracing hard work and perseverance — a significant shift from seeking immediate rewards. The premiere at G5A, with two full-house shows, was an emotional journey. For the boys, it was the first time they experienced the pride of seeing hard work pay off.” Candid moments from the final stage rehearsal Adapted and directed by writer-actor Sapan Saran, for months, these actors have immersed themselves in the script, exploring not just lines and movements but the deeper meaning behind Sircar’s whimsical tale of a world without money, a land where human potential takes precedence over material wealth. “They have their opinions on the subject,” Sapan shares. “The play allows them to think about alternative possibilities, sparking conversations about justice, inequality, and hope.” For these young performers, theatre became a bridge between their past and a future filled with possibilities. Each rehearsal was a step toward healing, every line a moment of self-discovery. One of the actors, Veer (name changed), confesses, “I’m bad. Everyone knows this. But there is something good about this play. And I am part of it. It feels good to know I am part of something good.” It echoes the voice of a large section of marginalised youth in our country who are victims of the circumstances they grew up in and who view themselves the way society has labelled them. Sachi Maniar and Timira Gupta When the curtain rose that evening, these young actors stepped onto the stage as performers and as storytellers, dreamers, and changemakers. One mother’s tearful words captured the moment: “I felt I had let my son down when he ended up in the observation home. But today, watching him on stage as an actor, I’ve never been prouder.” ON March 25 (Rangshila, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova); April 8 (Prithvi Theatre, Juhu.) LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 200 onwards
24 March,2025 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Nasrin Modak Siddiqi
Mumbai: Enrol your kids in this workshop that makes robotics fun
Forall the sympathy that the COVID-19 lockdown-era students receive, let’s spare a moment for the parents. Remember when every ed-tech company was hell-bent on convincing parents that an online tech course was their child’s golden ticket to a six-figure job? With both those pandemics fortunately behind us, it’s refreshing to hear that a city-based platform is promising to make none of these promises. “We’ve been looking at technical skills through the wrong lens. They’re perfect summer hobbies that can easily be fun,” says Bhavna Jhunjhunwala, who will lead beginner’s robotics workshops in Mulund this week. An electric car. Pics Courtesy/Bhavna Jhunjhunwala Assembling robotic arms is not exactly how this writer remembers spending their summer holidays. Is it a sign of changing times, we ask the engineer-turned-entrepreneur. “That is a concern that many parents have echoed. But I can assure you that it’s never too early to teach children about concepts like sensors, velocity, circuits, and more. It creates a solid base that helps nurture a healthy passion for science,” she explains. A motorised crane (right) a previous coding session The five-day camp will introduce participants to the hardware aspect of their favourite household machines through engaging stories and child-friendly components. “We host a segment about building an electric cart by breaking down the basics of locomotion and acceleration. The session begins with a relatable story about a person who is having a lazy day and wants to send a cart to the grocery shop to fetch vegetables. When you have a strong hook, children listen,” she reveals. While Jhunjunwala recommends catching all five sessions, participants may register for individual sessions. A completed helicopter model from a previous session (right) participants build a sensor-based smart dustbin One of the introductory sessions lays out the working of a portable table fan. If you checked your weather app this morning, we don’t need to tell you what the hook here is. “The fan is such a common household item that we never stop to ask how it works. But a child’s curious mind does; it questions everything,” she adds. From flow of current to electromagnetism to rotatory motion, Jhunjunwala and her team of educators will answer any and every question that pops up while assembling the blocks and circuits. An automatic Japanese fan model Once the electric cars and fans and helicopters are up and running, the educator will turn to another technology buzzword that needs a relook. Jhunjunwala founded Code W/Floppy in 2019 to simplify coding for children. “Scratch, a block coding platform that gamifies the process, is a great tool to explain coding to beginners across age groups. The best part about coding is that it constantly challenges you to find a better solution to the same problem. These values equip the child with the determination to deal with real-life problems later,” she explains. Bhavna Jhunjhunwala As with any ambitious hobby, we had to ask the founder, are children really excited about this or are the parents more eager to add another feather in their cap? “It’s the children, in fact, who are leading the way. I received a call from an excited mother of a participant yesterday. Her son had spotted an automatic door and explained how infrared sensors work to the family,” Jhunjunwala reveals. Like we said, the workshops don’t promise a cushy six-figure job, but we’d say priceless moments like these come pretty close. ON March 24 to 28; 10.30 am onwardsAT Sachmaas Academy, Ecstasy Business Park, near Mulund Railway Station, Mulund West. LOG ON TO @kidiaree.in on Instagram (to register) ENTRY Revealed on request
24 March,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Looking to try desi cocktails in Mumbai? Here are 5 spots you can explore
Buzzed by the beach Chowpatty julep. Pic Courtesy/Hylo Nothing says Mumbai like a kala khatta by the beach. Chowpatty Julep is inspired by the cool night outs of Juhu beach, and its kala khatta golas. Fresh mint and cranberries add a touch of zest to the rich, wild oak whiskey balanced with the tangy-sweet notes of kala khatta syrup. Perfect for an adventurous night out in town.AT Hylo, third floor, Building 30, K Dubash Marg, Fort.CALL 9004191901COST Rs 790 Lalbaug in a glass Lalbaug picante. Pic Courtesy/MagSt With flavours of turmeric, chilli, coriander and black garlic salt, your tongue might recollect the organised chaos and fragrances of Dadar market in every sip of the Lalbaug Picante. The dash of Jose Cuervo reposado and mezcal add a kick to this drink that comes straight from Lalbaug’s vibrant lanes.AT Mag St. Colaba; off Linking Road, Bandra.CALL 9867433238COST Rs 895 Tamarind twist Thaliavah. Pic Courtesy/The Tanjore Tiffin Room For a touch of South Indian class, head over to the suburb of Goregaon. Try Thalaiva — a tamarind, coconut and dark rum combination that can add a little tang to your evenings. With a tamarind jerky and vegan foamer to complete the drink, it might prove to be your new go-to drink for a fun night out.AT Tanjore Tiffin Room, ground floor, Nesco Center, Goregaon East.CALL 9975152575COST Rs 550 Market tipple Market day. Pic Courtesy/the Bombay Canteen With its mahua spirit, Market Day brings a floral touch to the table. Blended with green peas, mint, and fresh cucumber cordial, and topped with elderflower and Mastiha foam, the drink brings a fresh flavour to its spirit. It is the perfect drink to relax and wind down with after a long day battling the reds on the stock market.AT The Bombay Canteen, Unit 1, Process House, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel.CALL 8880802424COST Rs 750 onwards Masala shot Santra season. Pic Courtesy/Bombay Daak If spicy does it for you, this cocktail might do the trick. It comes with a kick of spicy Malvani masala, pickled karvanda and thecha blended with santra, tonic water, pea shoot lillet and Bombay Sapphire gin. The familiars would agree that nothing says desi quite like a santra.AT Bombay Daak, ONGC Complex, HIG Colony Reclamation, Bandra West. CALL 8928791611COST Rs 900
24 March,2025 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
World Storytellers Day: Explore these 5 short story collections across genres
For the sci-fi geeks: Buy Jupiter and Other Stories Isaac Asimov This collection of 24 stories has been collated from two decades of the master of science fiction Isaac Asimov’s oeuvre. Asimov gives us plenty of bizarre characters, whose conversations draw us in instantly. A friend claims he built a time machine to travel to the Mesozoic era and now knows what happened to the dinosaurs; Uncle Otto creates a flute that can be played by the power of mind alone, no skill necessary; a pair of explorers find habitable planets far, far away, where plants control everything. For the mystery fanatics: The Memoirs of Sherlock Holmes Sir Arthur Conan Doyle Meet the inimitable detective Sherlock Holmes and his loyal companion Dr Watson in 12 thrilling stories by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. A true Holmes experience includes entering a world where powers of deduction, logic, and forensics — matters of exact science — take precedence over emotions. The collection includes The Musgrave Ritual, where an old acquaintance’s butler goes missing, The Greek Interpreter, where his brother Mycroft reports of a kidnapping, as well as The Final Problem, where readers meet his archnemesis, Professor Moriarty. For the horror lovers: Dark Tales Shirley Jackson Seventeen chilling stories by Shirley Jackson lay bare the horrors of our everyday lives. Louisa escapes from her home and disappears but when she returns her family fails to recognise her; two friends joke about a painting and their grandfather’s spirit wandering about it before one of them gets trapped inside it; Margaret has terrifying thoughts of killing her husband; Ethel and Jim move into the Sanderson house but something sinister begins to take place. In the haunting world of Jackson, the inside is as unsettling as the outside. BONUS: Her Body and Other Parties Carmen Maria Machado Carmen Maria Machado’s collection is becoming a genre-bending modern classic. Stories draw on urban legends, or are tales about a sales clerk finding something unusual in the seams of prom dresses in a store, a woman’s weight-loss bringing in an unwanted houseguest, a reimagining of Law-and-Order episodes. For the ticklers and the dreamers: Petersburg Tales Nikolai Gogol. Pics Courtesy/Wikimedia Commons Nikolai Gogol’s satirical short stories were written during his time at St. Petersburg, Russia, in the 1830s. A nose falls off an official’s face and develops a life of its own; a poor government clerk, seeing his old overcoat in tatters, dreams of buying a new one and later haunts the city as a ghost; a lieutenant and his acquaintance pursue two women on Nevsky Prospect. In the final story, readers encounter the mind of the protagonist that descends from displaying its oddities into revealing his insanity. The theme of alienation is central to Gogol’s stories. For the modern-day romantics: The Women Who Forgot to Invent Facebook and Other Stories Nisha Susan Nisha Susan’s women are mostly creatives navigating virtual and real worlds in these humorous, endearing, and dazzling stories of intimacy and everyday quandaries. Friends plan to create a map of their hook-ups online, two lovers speak over Facebook messenger, a debut author is under attack by an army of trolls, a classical singer connects with a prince in a chat room. Susan’s stories are refreshingly modern, often fast-paced and never dull. Her characters are among us; they’re flawed, they lie. They laugh out loud, cry and look for ways to survive. Others reccos >> Bloodchild and Other Stories by Octavia Butler>> The Night Train at Deoli and Other Stories by Ruskin Bond>> Breast Stories by Mahasweta Devi>> A Haunted House and Other Stories by Virginia Woolf
22 March,2025 09:19 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini Varma
Mumbai: This session aims to teach children the importance of water conservation
As the world grapples with the environmental crises of the 21st century, it becomes more important than ever to mould an ecologically conscious generation — one that understands and cares about our natural resources, including water. Drawing from a similar strand of thought, author and urban researcher, Minaz Ansari will engage with Mumbai’s young readers in an interactive session centred on her book, Paani Party at the Prabhadevi-based bookstore, Kahani Tree. Published by The People Place Project and supported by Living Waters Museum, as part of their exhibition on Mumbai’s water stories, it sheds light on the issue of water conservation and celebrates the many wonders of water through its protagonists, nine-year old Aryan and his grandfather. Children colour sheets during a previous workshop. Pic courtesy/Minaz Ansari “The idea for the book stemmed from the larger project we were doing during the pandemic on the city’s water bodies. These days, children view water as a mere commodity. They are unaware of its versatility as a resource. The same water which quenches your thirst can help a tree grow and sustain aquatic life. The idea is to trigger their imagination and bring them closer to the sheer magic in water,” Ansari explains. She plans to make the workshop more experiential through an art-based activity. “We have arranged postcards where children will be encouraged to jot down their thoughts from the workshop and post the letters to their friends and family. This ensures that the knowledge is retained and shared,” she adds. Ansari (left) joins children in a conversation about her book during a session in January. Pic courtesy/Pritya Jha Filled with bright and quirky illustrations by US-based illustrator Priyanka Lele, the book builds on the graphics to pull children into the heart of the story. “Children are visual thinkers. The colours and textures of the book not only make it a fun read but help them understand the story better,” Ansari opines while Sangeeta Bhansali, the founder of the bookstore brings up the point of relatability. “When children read books by Indian authors and local independent publishers, they recognise how the characters on the pages look like them and talk like them, which makes it all the more relevant. With these workshops, we are creating an opportunity for the kids to interact with authors and share their passion for these extremely important issues,” Bhansali shares. Minaz Ansari Originally published in 2021, Ansari informs us that the book is also gearing up for a Marathi translation. “Through both the protagonists, the story is also tapping into intergenerational knowledge. Children are the future of our planet, and we want these ideas to reach as many kids as possible,” she concludes. On Today; 11 am to 12 noonAt Kahani Tree, Industry Manor, Appasaheb Marathe Marg, Prabhadevi. Email events@kahanitree.com (to register)Cost Rs 500 (inclusive of the book)
22 March,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
This festival by a mountaineering institution focuses on responsible adventure
If you had any thoughts of a Himalayan expedition being an extended version of Ranbir Kapoor-Deepika Padukone’s fluffy romance in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), Divyesh Muni, president of The Himalayan Club, is quick to dampen it. “You spend six months before the expedition studying, and then a couple of months after, writing reports,” Muni chuckles. Academic it might sound, but this is the soul of exploration that the mountaineer and his colleagues at The Himalayan Club seek to advocate with their Himalayan Adventure Festival 2025 in Dadar tomorrow. Historical origins “The club is not a commercial mountaineering group. It is about exploring new valleys, finding smaller or technical peaks, discovering routes in the Himalayas. Above all else, we are a knowledge base,” shares Nandini Purandare, vice-president of the club and editor of the annual periodical, The Himalayan Journal. Members of the expedition pose. Pics Courtesy/The Himalayan Club In 1928, four years after the historic, and fatal, attempt by George Mallory and Andrew Irvine’s to summit Mount Everest, The Himalayan Club was founded in Calcutta. Purandare’s point emphasises the objectives laid down then — to assist exploration of the Himalayas, extend the knowledge of the Himalayan ranges through science, art, literature and sport. Nandini Purandare at Sangla, Himachal Pradesh With centres in Bengaluru, Pune, Mumbai and Kolkata, the club often holds workshops, sessions and camps for avid explorers. But, Purandare points out that the club’s outreach extends beyond exploration. “We are also involved in discussions on policy making with the Indian Mountaineering Federation (IMF), efforts to educate operators who undertake expeditions to the mountains, as well as highlighting culture, botany, geology and geography.” Heart for adventure There is a difference between heading to the mountains, and exploring them. The latter is an academic and logistical campaign, Muni points out. Yet, things can go bad just as quickly. “Therein lies the adventure,” he laughs. Divyesh Muni The results though, can be awe-inducing. In 2024, the club led by Muni attempted an expedition to the unexplored Thangman Lungpa valley in East Karakoram, north of Leh. “We were the first mountaineers to ever walk that path. We made three ascents — Dhashez Kangri, Manlung Kangri and Laknak Kangri — that could lay the roadmap for the future,” he says. Yet, Purandare, who began trekking the Himalayas as a 20-year-old, observes that there is a disconnect with the current generation. In the age of Instagram FOMO (Feeling of Missing Out), the mountains have become easily accessible. “There is a risk of spoiling its pristine nature due to over-tourism,” she notes. Urgency of conservation This, in addition to climate change and modernisation, poses a risk. Some of the keynote addresses at the festival seek to emphasise this point. Among the speakers is Dr Sonam Wangchok, founder, Himalayan Cultural Heritage Foundation. Like his near-namesake, Dr Wangchok has spent the last two decades documenting and crusading for the conservation of tangible and intangible heritage of Ladakh. Sonam Wangchok at a conservation site in Ladakh Having documented over 400 sites of rare petroglyphs and rock art that are proof of civilisation in the mountains dating back to the Bronze Age, he says, “We face multiple challenges, from modernisation and climate change to rising tourism. We have documented over 400 sites in Ladakh along the Indus and Shyok River. We have already lost many owing to road widening and construction projects.” Even though exploration is inevitable, an understanding and appreciation of the culture, nature and its surroundings is necessary, Wangchok adds. A petroglyph. Pics courtesy/Sonam Wangchok On their Karakoram expedition, Muni observed bare glaciers bereft of snow cover and deep open crevasses. “These are glaciers no one has set foot on before us. Mountaineers like us bring back feedback of what the visible effect of global warming is. Otherwise, it is felt only when you step out of your AC rooms,” he says. This is where the festival seeks to lend a hand. As part of an outreach to a newer generation, the festival will also host several short films that offer a glimpse of the mountains and its wonders, Purandare shares. “Everybody needs to go to the mountains. But there is a way of doing it. Slowly, with respect and a curiosity for its treasures,” she adds. A climber at Thangman Lungpa On March 23; 10.30 am onwardsAT BN Vaidya Auditorium, Hindu Colony, Dadar East.EMAIL office@himalayanclub.orgCALL 02249730738COST Rs 350 (non-members, inclusive of lunch and high tea); Free (members) Don’t miss >> Heritage conservation and challenges in Ladakh Sonam WangchokTIME 11 am >> Unfinished business: Thangman Lungpa exploration Divyesh MuniTIME 11.30 am Talk by Kaamya KarthikeyanTIME 2.15 pm >> The Sherpa Trail (book)Nandini Purandare and Deepa BalsavarTIME 3 pm FILMS (post tea) >> Dirt NuggetsVinay Menon >> Ganga GirlsPrashant Bhatt >> Gaddi: The Himalayan ShepherdAkshat Jain
22 March,2025 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar
Int'l Day of Forests: Mumbai's eco-warriors dive into how the city treat jungles
Once upon a forestAklesh Sutar, musician and anti-deforestation activist My earliest memory from the forest is swimming in the Bangoda lake with no care in the world. The swims would always be followed by fishing for catfish, and spending time observing the bugs and snakes on the banks. Aklesh Sutar (extreme left) and Prakash Bhoir (in red) ideate for their upcoming project. PIC COURTESY/AKLESH SUTAR One day, we found our route to the lake blocked with metal sheets — it was the first warning sign of infrastructural change. The forests have shrunk and its residents have since adapted, albeit unhappily. The mud houses soon gave way to metal sheet homes, but the tribals continue to strive for that life we once had. World Forest Day today should be a reminder that green cover not only in Mumbai, but states like Uttarakhand and Goa stand the risk of being uprooted for wider highways in the near future. I am currently collaborating with Warli artist and activist Prakash Bhoir to write and compose protest songs on the subject. Food for thoughtManisha Dhinde, researcher Manisha Dhinde places a sign that says Save Forest on a tree during a trail. PICS COURTESY/MANISHA DHINDE As a Warli resident of Aarey, I realised that the city is still oblivious to many of the invaluable cultural treasures the forest hides. This Holi, we invited urban residents to see how palash, hibiscus, bhringraj and other plants have been used as natural colours for centuries by the Warlis. It’s a family affair now, with my brother who plays the traditional tarpa lending a helping hand on these walks. A moment from the natural Holi celebrations in the forest At a recent walk, we picked wild produce and cooked a meal the tribal way with earthen stoves out in the wild. Once you’ve tried the bamboo shoot stew, with fresh bhakri and ambadi [a plant grown for its edible leaves] chutney, you realise that the forest is much more than just the trees, its home to a melting pot of cultures. Wild flowers and fruits foraged from the forest Young and wildAparna Bangia, environmentalist, Youth For Aarey Members plant native plants. PIC COURTESY/APARNA BANGIA We recently led a trail for school students from South Mumbai who arrived with a word of caution from their teachers: their attention spans were limited. But once they walked the trail with a clear blue sky above them and butterflies fluttering by, they asked us questions, wrote poems and sketched for hours. If Mumbai’s AQI is taking a toll on your lungs, you’ll be surprised at how much you can explore on foot in the forest without gasping for breath. Aparna Bangia To keep it that way, we are now working on a restoration project in hamlets in the forest with eco-restoration practitioner Reema Shah. Non-native acacia trees, possibly planted by uninformed groups in all good faith years ago, are being swapped out for native species of trees, shrubs and grass with due consultation of the tribes. Plant a seedUjwal Vhatkar, naturalist and nature educator It is shocking to learn that many Mumbaikars don’t realise how lucky we are to have a natural forest thriving in the heart of the city. You can never get enough of the forest. There’s a good reason you hear news of species that haven’t been sighted in more than 100 years emerging from some nook of the forest from time to time. I am now exploring the Chenna region of the forest in North Mumbai to study its biodiversity. The onus to spark an interest for the city’s flora and fauna lies completely on the parents. I wish more parents gave the iPads and screens a break, and stepped out in the wild with us. Where to begin? Sign up for these expert-led beginners’ trails in Mumbai’s green lungs >> Birding for beginners ON March 23; 8 am AT Main Gate, SGNP, Yeoor, Manpada. CALL 8591382079COST Rs 250 >> Shilonda Trail ON March 23; 6.45 amAT Nature Interpretation Centre, SGNP, Borivali East. CALL 7738778789COST Rs 450 >> Forest walkON Available on demand for groups of fiveAT Bombay Natural History Society CEC, Goregaon.LOG ON TO @meehir_pawarCOST Revealed on request
21 March,2025 11:02 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble
Attend this bar crawl to discover Mumbai's iconic permit rooms
With high-end pubs and funky resto-bars preferred options, it’s easy to miss Mumbai’s permit rooms — cosy, dim spaces where drinking culture flourished decades ago. Old-timers will recall the charm of sipping on drinks in such places that still offer VFM rates. This Sunday, Permit & Co will organise a bar crawl across some of these iconic permit rooms. A view of Café Universal’s interiors. Pic courtesy/Aditya Vijay Hegde “During the lockdown, we realised that whenever things go bad, people tend to go back to the basics. That is what reignited my interest in the city’s permit room culture. We sampled almost 10 permit rooms and zeroed down on the ones that have been included for this crawl. With this bar crawl, the idea is to take a group of people to these classic establishments and discover their stories,” Aditya Vijay Hegde, the restaurant’s founder shares. Shanta, a rum-based cocktail included in the navarasa menu. Pic courtesy/Sundays Conceptualised as a series, the monthly bar crawls will focus on one area at a time. “From Bandra to Lower Parel and other locales, we will conduct these crawls in almost all parts of the city. I remember my father and cousins frequenting permit rooms. Be it the ambience, the music or classic bar snacks like chakli and chutney, the feeling of camaraderie there is a different experience. We want to take people to these spots in a guided manner to make it easy for them to enjoy the experience,” he explains, adding that each stop will be for half an hour, with drinks and nibbles. Aditya Vijay Hegde With the first stop at Colaba-based bar Gokul, the two-hour crawl will cover Sunlight and Café Universal, and will wrap up at Permit & Co. “People can enjoy drinks outside of the ones we have included in the session and there will be food options at each place,” Hegde adds. They are also collaborating with mixologist, V Karthik Kumar who runs Sundays, a restaurant and cocktail bar in Chennai. “He will be presenting navarasa, a curated collection of nine cocktails based on nine emotions. It is incidental that the Mumbai Indians versus Chennai Super Kings T20 match will be played on the same date,” Hegde concludes. ON March 23; 4 pm onwardsMEETING POINT Bademiya, Tulloch Road, Apollo Bunder, Colaba. LOG ON TO @permitandco (to register; limited spots available) AGE GROUP 25 years and aboveCOST Rs 2,500 (inclusive of drinks, snacks and travel)
21 March,2025 09:29 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha Panda
Tiramisu Day: Indulge in these unique versions of the Italian dessert in Mumbai
In need of a pick-me-up? Or, may we say, in need of a tiramisu? The quintessentially Italian dessert that originated in the Veneto region in the 1960s, can be an instant upper in every sense of the phrase. In addition to its literal translation, the combination of strong espresso, rich mascarpone and bitter-sweet cocoa can veritably transform your mood, as this writer can attest. Is it any wonder then that the dessert was once touted to have aphrodisiac effects and, as local legend goes, was served by a woman brothel owner to help clients with their conjugal duties when they returned to their wives? On World Tiramisu Day, here’s our list of some of the most interesting interpretations of this classic across the city’s cafés and restaurants. Treat on the go Pic courtesy/Pachinco If you believe in portion control or find the dessert too rich to wolf down in one sitting, try this nostalgic version of tiramisu that comes in a personal-sized cake jar. As a more traditional recipe, the tiramisu tastes the best when the jar has been refrigerated for a few hours to let the flavours intensify. AT Pachinco, Crescent Royale, Veera Desai Road, Andheri West.COST Rs 360 CALL 9930064200 Nuts for flavour Pic courtesy/Qey Pistachios are undoubtedly the trendiest nuts for 2025, and this interpretation of tiramisu offers you yet another delicious way to savour them. The classic espresso-infused dessert is dressed up with roasted pistachios, seasonal berries and a burst of fresh mint to create a conversation piece that’s both visually arresting and sensory.AT Qey, Kamala Mills, Lower Parel. COST Rs 800 (exclusive of taxes)CALL 9152424555 Clouds in your coffee Pic courtesy/La Loca Maria While staying true to the timeless flavours of tiramisu, this version reinterprets each element to highlight both texture and flavour in a new way. The coffee sponge is layered with aerated mascarpone spuma and interspersed with thin, brittle coffee crisps for crunch and depth. The dessert is then topped with a scoop of coffee ice cream.AT La Loca Maria, Fatima Villa, 29th Road, Bandra West.COST R750 (exclusive of taxes)CALL 9324404335 The Italian cuppa Pic courtesy/Tattva Bar & Cafe As sacrilegious as it may sound, this tiramisu-inspired iced latte brings forth a taste of the dessert with every sip. Bold espresso, a hint of mascarpone and a touch of cocoa come together for a rich and sweet drink that’s perhaps the most refreshing way to savour this dessert in the summer months.AT Tattva Bar & Cafe, Peninsula Hotel, Marol.COST Rs 495CALL 9606191665 Twice the fun Pic courtesy/Coppetto Artisan Gelato True to 2025’s recurring theme of more being more, this pick combines two Italian classics with a tiramisu gelato. The coffee-dominant flavour of tiramisu perfectly complements the silky goodness of gelato to make for a refreshing summer scoop.AT Coppetto Artisan Gelato Outlets in Bandra, Girgaon Chowpatty and Juhu. COST Rs 210 onwardsCALL 9326124347 (Bandra) Flaming hot Pic courtesy/Le Café Yes, the beauty of Italian cuisine lies in its simplicity but what’s the fun in that? This fiery interpretation is flambéed with a splash of coffee liqueur, which enhances the bold flavours of the coffee, while also infusing the otherwise traditional recipe with warm caramel notes. AT Le Café, Jewel of Chembur, Chembur Gaothan.COST Rs 300CALL 022 67099977
21 March,2025 09:24 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
Follow these fashion tips to go the extra mile with your sunglasses this summer
You know that the maximalist wave is here to stay when your Crocs are studded with whimsical baubles and your sunglasses compete with your heirloom necklaces in terms of the bling and the workmanship they’re embellished with. The latter trend, in particular, has been making waves for a while now — since 2021, to be precise, when a pair of 17th-century glasses from the Mughal era fashioned from a 300-carat Colombian emerald was auctioned by Sotheby’s. Since then, bejewelled sunglasses have been flaunted by fashionistas across the board, from Beyoncé to Doja Cat. Doja Cat with her bejewelled glasses; (right) opt for frames with rounded edges for a softer look. Pics Courtesy/Instagram Fashion designer Harshavardhan Rai attributes the soaring popularity of the sunglasses-jewellery crossover to a heighted quest for expressionism. “Every item of clothing is no longer limited to just functionality. People are quite conscious about their clothing being an extension of their identity. Even their accessories have to have an underlying ethos and feel more personal,” he explains. Greeshma Thampi, an image consultant, points out that in addition to showcasing personal style, these sunglasses can highlight your innate creativity, add a touch of playfulness or even elevate the glamour quotient of your look. “Of all of 2025’s trends, this is definitely the most Instagram-friendly,” she observes. Pic/iStock All goggle-eyed Bejewelled sunglasses work well for a variety of occasions — from music festivals, to beach vacations, or even outdoor wedding events. When styling these glasses, both Thampi and Rai advise letting the sunglasses be the focal point of your look. “You can either pick a colour from the design of the sunglasses or a neutral, to let the glasses really stand out,” says Rai. For music festivals, Thampi recommends a boho-chic look: team your sunglasses with flowy dresses, crochet tops, fringe details and a head scarf. “A fitted dress worn with a tailored jacket, or a jumpsuit in monotone hues can be the perfect foil for these glasses, if you wear them to a brunch event. For a more retro vibe, you could add a bejewelled headband. Importantly, make sure the rest of your jewellery and your sunglasses are in the same tone. For example, if you have gold-tone gems in your sunglasses, repeat that hue in your jewellery to look more put together,” she adds. You could also invest in a variety of designs to match different looks or aesthetics — while a pair embellished with studded stones works perfectly for casual outings, more intricate designs are perfect for formal events or evening ‘dos. Greeshma Thampi and Harshvardhan Rai Face your pair If you’re concerned about the sunglasses dominating your face or distorting proportions, Thampi suggests a few simple guidelines to help you pick the perfect pair: Esha Amin’s retro-styled bejewelled headband . Oval: All styles suits this face shape. Round: Prefer more angular styles to contrast the roundness of the face. Opt for rectangular frames such as wayfarers or cat eyeglasses with detailing on the top half. This adds more structure and length to the face.. Square or rectangular: Choose rounded frames such as aviators. Avoid angular or geometric designs. Opt for softer edges and rounded shapes in the design elements.. Heart shape: Avoid very large sized sunglasses or very heavy top embellishments, which will draw more attention to the top half of the face. Opt for smaller detailing in sunglasses and balance the face by adding layered. . Diamond shape: Opt for embellishments on the top half and avoid detailing on the bottom part of the frame. The latter draws more attention to the cheeks, which is not advisable for this face shape.
20 March,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita Paul
Want to do something fun? Check out these 8 events in Mumbai this weekend
Thursday Celebrate a classicScreening: Do not miss this rare screening of Francois Truffaut’s iconic bildungsroman, The 400 Blows. Sensitive, moving and still fresh, the film might just be the medicine for your tiring week.Time 7.30 pmAt Harkat Studios, Versova, Andheri West.Call 8104752001Free Friday Pic Courtesy/Aanchal Bordoloi Sing along to storiesMusic: Bengaluru-based Aanchal Bordoloi (above) drops in to the city with her stories, anecdotes and soulful music. Time 8 pm At Threadsmith – Artisanal and Bespoke Tailoring, Parel. Log on to allevents.in (RSVP mandatory) Free Trip it out with momKids: Spend a weekend on a jaunt with mom at this unique camp by Kshitij that teaches adventure, fun and a first-hand experience of the outdoors. Till March 22 onwards (camp begins) At Wada, Palghar. Call 9322181849 Cost Rs 12,500 (all inclusive) Saturday Purple sunbird. Pic Courtesy/Chinmay Gundaram Tweet differentlyNature: Step away from the keyboard to reply to a different kind of tweet with Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP) birders as they walk the Tungareshwar trail. Make new friends on the trail.Time 8 am to 10.30 amMeeting point Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary Entry Gate, Sanjay Gandhi National Park North Gate. Call 8591382079 EmaiL sgnp.nic.yeur@gmail.com Cost Rs 250 (limited seats) Pic Courtesy/NCPA Shikhandi saysTheatre: What does the feminine mean? Faezeh Jalali brings in a tongue-in-cheek retelling of the ancient tale of Shikhandi from the Mahabharata to a woke generation of today. Featuring Srishti Shrivastava, Tushar Pandey, Meher Acharia-Dar, the play raises questions both traditional and contemporary on femininity and everything in between.Time 5 pm; 7 pm At Experimental Theatre, NCPA, Nariman Point. Log on to ncpamumbai.com Cost Rs 650 onwards Sunday Pics Courtesy/Instagram Let it flowWorkshop: Find your creative flow with a unique workshop that plays with fluid colours, and the motif of the bear. Be prepared for stains as the desk can get messy, but very colourful and fun. Time 3 pm to 5 pmAt PTAT Store, Jai Mahal, Linking Road, Khar West. Call 9082764700 (to register, limited slots) Kabuli flavoursFood: Dip into the decadence of a qorma-e-olu-bukhara or an aushak at this Kabuli culinary festival. Till April 1At Taftoon, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai; also at G Block, BKC. Call 961493100 (Powai) Laugh it upComedy: Wrap up your weekend with an evening of jokes as Joel D’Souza and Sharon Verma (below) join a line-up of Masoom Rajwani and Niveditha Prakasam to take on the punchlines with their awkward humour. Time 10 pm onwardsAt Ministry of Games, near ISKCON temple, Juhu. Log on to in.bookmyshow.com Cost Rs 249 onwards
20 March,2025 09:05 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar