Mumbai Diary page: Saturday scene

From Goa to Madras, via Matunga
Goan pop-rock-fusion singer Remo Fernandes may swear by food from his hometown, but he sure loves his South Indian fare too. We spotted the 61-year-old on Thursday evening, first patiently waiting for his turn at the always-crowded Cafe Madras in Matunga and then happily tucking into some tuppa dosa, raagi masala and chhaas there.

Rocker Remo Fernandes vegging out at Cafe Madras. Pic/Ashwin Ferro

In the city briefly for his yoga training, Remo has been a daily diner at the famed South Indian restaurant over the last few days. "My yoga class gets over by 8.30pm, so I'm normally here by 9.30pm," informed the superhit singer-cum-musician, who has delivered some super hit Bollywood numbers like Jalwa, Humma Humma and Pyaar toh hona hi tha, among others.

And as for his love for the food from down South, Remo said: "I love South Indian food, mostly dosas, but Cafe Madras is in a class of its own. I've been ordering dishes and desserts here, some of which I'd never even heard of before, and each one turns out to be a masterpiece."

Remembering Villoo
This Sunday, January 18 will see plenty of dash in the city. After the two-legged tribe has finished with the marathon, in comes the four-legged ones with some serious horsepower. The Mahalaxmi racecourse plays host to a sizzling Sunday. There is the mid-day Trophy and the feature race of the day, the Villoo Poonawalla Indian Oaks.

Villoo Poonawalla and her love for the equestrian

The historical Indian Oaks sees a name change. Villoo Poonawalla, late wife of Dr C S Poonawalla passed away a few years ago. Villoo Poonawalla was not just a racing enthusiast but also keen about horse breeding, and was the force behind her more high-profile husband, Dr Poonawalla to own and race horses.

Though she died at the age of 62, her spirit lives on through this race. The thunder of hooves will surely be music to her ears, right up there in heaven.