Speaking on an unprepared topic in front of a large crowd can scare many. It’s a skill that requires tons of practice. Mumbai-based social skills workshop, Flutr, is a public speaking platform that helps master the technique of improv speaking. They are having a three-hour workshop called Love the Stage that will prepare you for unpredictable situations where you have to make sense to a large audience. This weekend session is open to people above 18 years old. The co-founder of the platform, Nasir Engineer, has a decade of experience in the field, and will be one of the co-facilitators and coaches. He talks about the key elements of the workshop: “It’s an interactive session where the participants get to engage in activities. These are application-based activities where they are not just absorbing but also applying what they are learning.” A comfortable atmosphere is important for the participants to open up. He adds, “We try to keep the atmosphere light and humorous. The selected venue is a lovely space in Juhu. The nearby garden adds to the calm vibe of the space.” Improv speaking can be one of the ways to handle stage fear Engineer uses improv sessions as he considers it to be the best way to master the art of public speaking. He explains, “Suppose you are told to give a presentation in a room full of people. You know the content and you have prepared it. But what if there’s a moment for which you are unprepared? For example, if there are technical glitches or the light goes off. How will you tackle situations like these? How would you react to a distracted crowd? How will you use your presence of mind in such moments? The improv session helps you navigate and prepare for such situations. It helps you adapt to a change in the environment.” Engineer is conducting the session with Jasmine Chabria, who is also a co-facilitator and coach at the workshop. She is a motivational speaker and trainer. She explains, “Many have good thoughts and ideas, but the moment they have to speak in front of a crowd, it feels tough. Public speaking isn’t some scary punishment; the workshop is an investment that will help you grow.” Nasir Engineer and Jasmine Chabria She adds, “Whether you’re a team lead, founder, stage speaker, or fresher, we aim to make speaking in front of a crowd easy, enjoyable, and freeing. Through our workshop, we help you manage internal fears and external unexpectedness by using body language, speaking spontaneously, and remembering the words you have to deliver. There’s plenty of research, easy-to-implement techniques, and the art form of improv — all to help you speak with confidence.” ON May 18; 11.30 am AT Flutr, Chandni Plot 14, Road 13, New India Society, Juhu, Vile Parle West. LOG ON TO district.inCOST Rs 1,900
12 May,2025 09:16 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiIndulge in Cantonese cuisine with a twist with this Yum Cha menu. Tuck into delicate dim sum varieties, a petit gateau, fragrant teas as well as a selection of macaroons. They serve both vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. On: May 3; Monday to Friday, 4 pm to 7 pmAt: Yauatcha, Raheja Tower, Bandra Kurla Complex. Cost: Rs 988 (vegetarian); Rs 1,088 (regular)
12 May,2025 09:12 AM IST | Mumbai | The Guide TeamTitle: Dream CountAuthor: Chimamanda Ngozi AdichieGenre: Modern and contemporary fictionPublisher: HarpercollinsCost: Rs 599 Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie writes about love and human frailties in her new novel Dream Count (4th Estate, HarperCollins). Her signature style of multivocal narratives brings us stories about four women whose lives are interlinked. She begins and ends the novel with sections dedicated to Chiamaka, a Nigerian woman who lives in Maryland, comes from wealth, and is in search of love. The other women, Omelogor (her cousin from Abuja), Zikora (her lawyer friend from Washington DC), and Kadiatou (a Guinean asylum seeker and Chiamaka’s housekeeper), come to know each other through Chiamaka and live lives on different spectrums. Adichie sets her novel in the time of the COVID-19 pandemic. Although not all of it takes place during this time, it helps establish an underlying mood of uncertainty in the lives of each of these characters. The women in the book straddle various romantic and familial relationships. Some choices take them away from who they are; some are unusual but necessary for them to find themselves; some are snatched away from them. Adichie’s women are not perfect. They are complex and yearn for things that keep slipping away from them — a desire to be “truly known by another human being” in Chia’s case, or a desire to work in Kadiatou’s case. The most heartbreaking narrative in the novel is Kadiatou’s story of loss and violence. Through it, Adichie asks her readers what righteousness can do. She nudges us to think if justice can look different to us as outsiders than it does to the one in pain? She is conscious while writing class and power. This is most noticeable in Kadiatou’s section, though these are also present in the others. Each section of the novel can be read as a novella on its own, but that would silence the hum of the bond shared by the four women echoing underneath the individual stories. Adichie is also a master of bringing contradictions under one roof. She often opens conversations about identities in her novels over a dinner, a party, a meeting — a gathering with multiple people to bring out differing views. She uses this tool to sometimes mock some of them, and sometimes to simply show plurality. This book is a sharp comeback from Adichie into the world of fiction. Available At: All leading bookstores and e-stores
12 May,2025 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaMID-DAY: Why a museum of beer after the Museum of Goa?Subodh Kerkar: I saw a few beer museums abroad and wondered why there weren’t any here in India. Just imagine, 140 billion litres of beer is produced every year globally. India also produces beer. I am always thinking of museums; even now I have an idea for a museum themed on the Indian Ocean. I gradually felt I could combine contemporary art with a beer museum and start one myself. I feel art is not elitist. It is not only for the affluent; it is for everyone. So those who walk in for the beer will also get to see art. There will also be works by other artists besides mine. Subodh Kerkar in his office at Museum of Goa. The work under which he is sitting will be displayed at the beer museum MD: What will the visitor find at the beer museum?SK: Spread across 6,000 sq mts at Parra in Goa, it will be the world’s largest, and India’s first beer museum. I have been working on it for the past few years and I plan to open it by August. It will showcase the history of beer, but not in the ‘traditional museum way’. I think differently when I design a museum. There is no need for a display of artefacts or objects related to beer or those that are used in its making. I might put up very few such objects for display, but I will showcase the history and story of beer differently. I might even have a beer belly installation! Did you know it’s the most drunk liquid after water? The first beer brewery in India, in Kasauli, Lion Beer, was owned by Edward Dyer. He was the father of Colonel Reginald Dyer who was responsible for the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. There will be a short documentary shown screened at the museum that will include such interesting facts and anecdotes about beer. We have even created a god and goddess of beer! There will be 12 kiosks where beer of different brands will be sold. There will be seven restaurants at the complex and a stage for concerts. We might even hold events like the Oktoberfest here. While the concept and content at the Beer Museum are mine, I am collaborating with Marquis Hotels, which will run it. MD: The concept is more like a cultural hub than a museum...SK: Yes, but all to get people to see art. At the Museum of Goa we have told the story of India through contemporary art. Here, the art will have no particular theme. The beer part of the museum will attract tourists, but locals and aficionados who are also serious about art will come for it. Every visitor will be treated to a unique experience, one for his palate and one for his mind. Log on to: www.subodhkerkar.com
12 May,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Ashlesha AthavaleWhy are women missing from India’s music scene? — It’s a question that propelled Andheri-based rap artiste Krantinaari aka Ashwini Hiremath to traverse 47 regions across the country in search of female folk artistes has almost reached a point of culmination. With less than a week to the first premiere of Sound of Women, a grassroots music project helmed by Hiremath along with percussionist and singer Charu Hariharan under her company Folk Soul, we delve into the stories that led to the songs in this one-of-a-kind album. Taiji, the eldest musician in the group also plays Hudka, the folk drum of Uttarakhand “Nearly four years ago, when the COVID-19 restrictions had just been lifted, I set out on a journey to understand why the participation of women in music is so sparse. In urban setups at least, allowing women to pursue a musical career that isn’t focused on classical music, warrants all sorts of reactions from people. The lack of audience for female artistes as compared to their male counterparts often translates into paucity of opportunities too. This is a whole different scene in rural pockets of the country though,” the 29-year old rapper explains. The mobile studio in which the album’s tracks were produced During an artiste residency in Rajasthan back in 2022, Hiremath came across female artistes and musicians who weren’t allowed to touch musical instruments, let alone explore their creative careers. “Women are the drivers of culture and ethics in our society. We all learn it from our mothers — this is where language becomes all the more important, otherwise it would be all about one globalised identity,” Hiremath says. Fuelled by a passion to make space for their voice, she connected with Delhi-based organisation, Manzil Mystics and hopped on a mobile recording studio, hurtling across the mountainous landscape of Uttarakhand to land up in Jeolikote, finding a team of female musicians who have spearheaded the 17-track album with Hiremath. Hemanti Devi practises on a harmonuim Hailing from different villages in the Kumaon region of the state, folk musicians Kashti Devi, Ganga Devi, Hemanti Devi and Taiji are all magicians of their craft, as Hariharan tells us. “It is a wonderful, warm feeling to work with women. The feeling of compassion and fraternity that they brought to the project, from helping each other with the music to putting in all the effort for the tracks even in a biting cold was beautiful to witness. The entire idea was to provide a space to these brilliant artistes to express themselves freely and allow them the space to be vulnerable — which is integral to the creation of music,” Hariharan, the music producer of the project, shares. The musicians interact with each other during rehearsal Exploring the folk culture of the region along with ideas that also talk about nature and education, the tracks in the album provide reflections into the personal experiences of the artistes as well. “There are stories of pain, acceptance and politics that bind these songs together. These emotions have carried the soul of the album. The origins of hip-hop often talk about a certain discomfort with one’s situation, be it poverty, rejection or oppression. Folk and hip-hop in that sense, are rooted in providing a space for expressing one’s emotion, or the navarasa as they call it,” Hiremath explains. As the tracks transform into stories this Friday, preceded by an exhibition where homegrown artistes from the city will host a market of visual art, handmade textiles and natural beauty products — Hariharan and Hiremath along with the director of the show, Neha Singh will attempt to reform certain old rules. “Economic independence is one of the foremost values of liberation. If through the project, the artistes can move forward with their careers, and become equal partners in their household, then it will change the power dynamic for so many of them. The entire project was all about co-creation and letting the heart sing. Music is very empowering in this regard,” Hiremath concludes. ON May 16; 3 pm onwardsAT G5A Warehouse, G5/A, Laxmi Mills Estate, Shakti Mills Lane, Mahalaxmi West.LOG ON TO district.inEntry Rs 299
12 May,2025 09:01 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaIn almost 72 years, a New Delhi-based family-run bookstore, Bahrisons Booksellers, situated in Khan Market, the heart of the city, has grown into one of the most loved spaces for readers. Last week, it launched a podcast, The Reading List by Bahrisons Booksellers. The podcast promises to feature conversations with Indian authors whose books have been published in 2024 and 2025. We catch up with the host Aashna Malhotra, who reveals that the purpose of starting this was, “to celebrate Indian writing and the kind of stories that may not always make headlines but quietly shape how we read.” Malhotra has been a podcast enthusiast since her undergraduate days. She tells us, “Podcasts became my favourite way to learn and keep up with current events. Last year, my father suggested we explore how a podcast could fit into what [our bookstore] already offers readers through author engagements.” This meant bringing two of her interests together: her love of the audio format of storytelling and of learning and meeting people. “It was also an opportunity to find my place in our family’s long relationship with books,” she adds. Aashna Malhotra with Aakriti Mandhwani. Pic Courtesy/YouTube The first episode with Aakriti Mandhwani, author of Everyday Reading, makes for an ideal debut episode. It encapsulates Mandhwani’s research on reading habits in the 1950s and 60s India and small revolutions within the publishing industry. While the author speaks about publications like Dharmayug and writing opportunities in films that attracted Urdu and Hindi writers to Bombay (now Mumbai), she elaborates how Delhi became a dynamic centre that helped writers define themselves. Malhotra and Mandhwani further discuss the actress Meena Kumari on the book cover, women readers and writers, letters to the editors, early middlebrow magazines like Sarita, paperbacks like Hind Pocket Books, and the pleasures in print. The conversation is delightful. The one-hour duration keeps it rich and engaging. Malhotra shares, “While I’m a podcast purist and stick to audio-only, video is growing popular.” Hence, the podcast has been recorded in a video format. An exciting feature of this is that the videos carry notes which pop-up as quick glossaries when an author unpacks an esoteric term or mentions an important contributor to the field. Since this was a new challenge for the bookstore, a major difficulty for them was in finding a space to shoot. They wanted something that reflected the same warmth and intimacy that a reader felt when they entered their bookstore or their home library. Eventually, they found a recording studio that helped them create this. They also decided to limit the first season to Delhi-based writers and those passing through the city. Malhotra recalls looking across genres. “We’ve tried to spotlight authors whose work is deeply thoughtful but may not always get mainstream media attention. It’s a small effort to honour the depth and diversity of Indian publishing today.” Some of the upcoming guests include the historian Anirudh Kanisetti, novelist Amitabha Bagchi, former journalist Amrita Tripathi, and Malhotra’s sister and oral historian Aanchal Malhotra, among others. In the episodes to come, listeners can expect conversations that go beyond the blurbs. Malhotra explains, “We explore how each author thinks, researches, and writes. Whether it’s fiction or nonfiction, the discussions delve into the heart of their processes.” She shares that her favourite moments are often the ones before they begin recording — when they’re easing into the conversation. “It’s a joy to hear about the writers’ daily routines, what writing looks like in their lives, their beloved pets, and unexpected reader encounters.” This sentiment echoes in what proceeds when Malhotra gets the camera rolling. Log on to: Spotify/Apple/YouTube; @thereadinglist_bahrisons
10 May,2025 09:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaLove it or hate it… there’s no ignoring it. That seemed to be the mantra for Shah Rukh Khan’s choice of outfit for the recently concluded MET Gala. His all-black, bejewelled look may have divided the opinions of fashion lovers and casual onlookers, but it was also a mood board for those wanting to experiment with maximalist jewellery. “The rich wool, all-black colour story, leather boots and overload of statement jewels all came together to form a statement-making look. Before you rush to replicate it, remember that the opulent look was especially designed for the red carpet and may not have the same impact in the real world,” warns menswear designer Aanchal Bubber Mehta. She, and image consultant Greeshma Thampi, offer simple tweaks to make the look more wearable. Solid monotone colours can help showcase the jewellery. Pic Courtesy/ @shaleenanathani A luxurious base “SRK’s floor-length overcoat was made from superfine Tasmanian wool. While it was certainly dramatic, the length would make the coat seem too costume-like for non-red carpet-venues. Instead, try a structured jacket-length trench or a mid-thigh overcoat. Don’t compromise on the fabric: a luxe silk blend or rich Italian wool should play the part with ease. A wide peaked lapel is very on trend and adds a touch of subtle flair,” Mehta advises. Diljit Dosanjh uses similar coloured metals elevate his style Thampi adds that when piecing together your look, focus on high quality and refined fabric with impeccable tailoring. “Remember, an outfit should serve as a backdrop to showcase the jewellery. Pick solid or neutral monotone colours to let the jewellery shine,” she says. While SRK’s leather boots added edge, Mehta offers a more versatile suggestion of black patent Oxford shoes or velvet loafers with antique-gold monogrammed embroidery. These, she says, will feel luxe without looking like you’ve tried too hard. Layer with care Mehta and Thampi both recommend structuring your outfit around a key focal point. “In SRK’s case, the focal point was his oversized monogrammed pendant. Everything else was designed to let that piece shine. Stick to similar-coloured metals and stones that complement each other in different scales. These help to create a balanced look. If you are layering necklaces, for instance, try different lengths and textures,” says Thampi. Greeshma Thampi and Aanchal Bubber Mehta For more formal ‘dos, Mehta suggests a more refined approach. “One strong necklace, a vintage brooch or lapel pin can be all the bling your outfit needs. Going the SRK route of multiple brooches, layered necklaces, stacked rings and a bejewelled cane can come off as excessive,” she notes. Finally, when styling a maximalist look, your most important accessory is confidence — these looks aren’t meant for everyone and require a certain amount of pizzazz. But if you think you have what it takes, you’re already halfway there.
10 May,2025 09:08 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulFood and Drink Go European Treat your mother to a four-course European delight crafted by chef Manuel Oliviera from salads to lamb meatballs and a roast chicken right) to savour.ON May 11; 12 pm to 3.30 pm, 7 pm to 1 amAT La Panthera, G Block, BKC.CALL 8000909056COST Rs 1,900 per person (with one mocktail); Rs 2,200 per person (with one wine pour or cocktail) Brunch it up Catch up with your mum over a lazy brunch this year at this Fort restaurant. From the light Bombay chutney sandwiches to the kosha mangsho, you can also opt for handcrafted cocktails, and non-alcoholic creations designed for long conversations.ON May 11; 12 pm to 5 pmAT HyLo, second floor, Building 30, Kala Ghoda, Fort. CALL 9004191901COST Rs 3,999 (bottomless brunch for two); 2,999 (non-alcoholic brunch for two) Gigs Laugh with mom Catch Fatima Ayesha Khan as she delivers a set filled with dark sardonic humour that taps into her experiences with her mother as a best friend and partner in crime.ON May 11; 6.30 pmAT Backspace: Thane, Lodha Boulevard Mall, Thane West.LOG ON TO allevents.inCOST Rs 349 A moving watch Pic Courtesy/YouTube Nothing says motherly love like the tale of a daughter and mother coming together to cope with grief in Céline Sciamma’s Petite Maman (above). Be prepared for the sobs.ON May 11; 4 pmAT Harkat Studios, Versova, Andheri West. CALL 8104752001ENTRY Walk ins (limited slots) Books Bargain buys at Fort Readers at Kitabkhana. File Pic This cool weekend might be the perfect time for a walk down the Fort district. The book stalls around these beautiful lanes might bring back memories of her youth. Who knows, it might also spark some fun memories about her favourite reads, and hangouts in town.AT Flora Fountain, Fort. Relax with a title If your mum is a bibliophile, gift her favourite book or books, and allow her to spend some quality ‘me-time’ in the company of books at any of these bookstores.AT Title Waves, St Paul Media Complex, Bandra West; Kitabkhana, Fort; Trilogy Bookstore, Bandra; Crossword, Kemps Corner; Granth, Juhu. Shopping Green thoughts Pic Courtesy/Grow-trees Spread some green energy by joining your mom to gift a tree in her name.LOG ON TO grow-trees.comCOST Rs 85 onwards For sisterhood Pic Courtesy/Mukti Manch Head for a women’s only meet-up where she gets to relax to meditative music, engage in games and conversation.ON May 11; 10 amAT Mukti Manch, Aram Nagar Part 1, Versova, Andheri West.LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 500 Crocheted memories Soft, colourful and quirky, crocheted bouquets or hair ties can be a fun gift for her soft heart on this special day.LOG ON TO @zains_story on InstagramCOST Rs 150 onwards Trails Veggies and snacking If you’ve been ignoring domestic chores why not step out with her today? Head to Dadar market to pick veggies, or masalas at Shinde Masalewala, and round it off with a kothimbir vadi treat at Prakash. Matunga’s vegetable market also makes for a fun trail, while their traditional kirana stores. End the day with a piping hot dosa-vada-idli meal at one of the Udipis nearby.AT Ranade Road, Dadar West; Lakhamsi Napoo Road, Matunga East. A walk down the nature trail Book an early morning walk away from the noise of the city at the elevated walkway in Malabar Hill — the perfect thank you to someone who has been a constant in your chaos.TIME 5 am to 8 pmAT Malabar Hill.LOG ON TO naturetrail.mcgm.gov.inCOST Rs 25 onwards (Indians); Rs 100 onwards (international) Workshops Give her a break Pic Courtesy/ Pokkidojunior.com Try this special session that comes with a massage and refreshing drinks to sip on while the children create a heartfelt greeting card for their super moms. AT Raghuvanshi Mills, Senapati Bapat Marg, Lower Parel WestON May 10 and 11; 11 am to 8 pmLOG ON TO pokiddojunior.comCOST Rs 1,200 Colour it up Let your mum engage in an artistic workshop where paints a Boho painting on canvas. For once, she won’t have to complain about you being messy.ON May 11; 12 pmAT Si Nonna’s, Inorbit mall, Sector 30, Vashi. LOG ON TO in.bookmyshow.com COST Rs 1,500 Up the cute quotient Cutesy puppies and a fun afternoon could be the perfect way for your mom to rediscover her childhood. Head over for this special art day with the most fun companions as you paint based on mindful prompts designed for the event.ON May 11; 12.30 pm AT Silk Road Coffee Company Experience Center, Versova, Andheri West. LOG ON TO district.inCOST Rs 1,200 (inclusive of supplies) Cook up a storm Pic Courtesy/Culinary Craft Counter your mother’s complaints about your ordering in with this cool cooking workshop. Rustle up some delicious tomato bruschetta, lasagna or tiramisu to impress her.ON May 11; 2 pm to 5 pmAT Culinary Craft, Hiranandani Gardens, Powai. CALL 9920338627COST Rs 5,950 Weave your story Go old-school with a unique weaving workshop that will teach you to work on a framed loom to create tapestry and coasters. Let the artist in her shine.ON May 11; 11 to 12.30 pmAT Method Bandra, Pearl Haven Apartments, Chapel Road, Bandra West. CALL 9820709239 (limited spots) COST Rs 1,800 per person (inclusive of all art supplies, plus a beverage)
10 May,2025 08:59 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram Iyengar | Minal SanchetiKona Kona is literally nestled in a corner end of a building, off Andheri’s New Link Road. The 95-seater, spread across an indoor and alfresco area, has bright red windows contrasted with green walls and a Duckman mascot that juts out of the indoor walls at two spots. It is flanked by black-and-white frames reflecting the Mumbai vibe. Red lanterns lift the space and highlight the emerald green tiled bar front. We begin our experience with Bihari nimki (instead of fries) with TP chutney (Rs 149) and a Madame Titli (Rs 599) cocktail that comes in a trio of gin, campari and cointreau. It is also a women triumvirate who has created this space. Chef Jasleen Marwah who gave Kala Ghoda an ode to regional cuisines at Folk, teams up with actor Mona Singh, who Marwah knows from her days as a media production executive. They first met on the sets of Jassi Jaisi Koi Nahi. “That’s where Jassi and Jasleen became friends,” Singh quips. Bihari nimki with TP chutney and Turkish lamb kofta poie While we indulge in friendly banter with the trio, Himachali mushroom siddu (Rs 349) arrives, as if straight from a local Himachal kitchen. The steamed bread, similar to a bao, is light, airy and packs in the punch of a spicy mushroom filling. Singh grew up in parts of North East and Goa since her father was in the Indian Army. “My parents hosted the best parties. As a family, we are foodies. We grew up eating different cuisines, from Kolkata’s egg rolls, to bamboo shoot sabzi from Assam, jhol momos of the North East, and Himachali food, which I love. Goa is my second home; poie and pork chorizo are my favourites,” she shares. Himachali mushroom siddu and Spinach and cheese kataifi The Turkish lamb kofta poie (R449) is a wholesome bite; though we prefer it without the mayo dip. The fermented poie has a mildly chewy crust with a soft interior that has soaked up the flavour of the meat. While they are currently sourcing it from a vendor, Marwah plans to make them in-house soon. Chutneys are celebrated, and accompany the dishes; a green pudina chutney amped with garlic and onions comes with the siddu, while the Bihari nimki that we tried earlier, is served with a hot chutney made from chillies and lemon with a mustard tadka. Between an actor and a self-taught home chef turned restaurateur, the demure executive chef Neetu Solanki brings her experience of professional cooking to the table. With stints at Noma and Masque in her kitty, she helms the whimsically Indian bar menu. Marwah met Solanki on the set of Curries of India two years ago, and have been consulting on projects since. “Her skills translate all that we imagine into an actuality,” reveals Marwah to which Solanki adds, “My brief was to create a shareable, non-fussy menu to compliment the bar menu. I have wrapped authentic dishes in a comforting taste language.” Madame Titli Over the well-textured and easy-to-savour spinach and cheese kataifi (Rs 399) rolls, Singh tells us how she turned to her old friend when she decided to work towards setting up her dream restaurant. “Jasleen was always behind the scenes, handling production. Here, she is in the forefront. I’ve known her for nearly 20 years. And every time we bumped into each other socially, our conversation revolved around food,” recalls Singh. The menu gets playful with Gangu Bai’s mandeli fry (Rs 349), another desi attempt to replace fries. We wash this down with Kill Bill (R599), a heady blend of tequila, jalapeño brine, pineapple juice and coriander leaves. For the mains, we try the African-inspired jambalaya pasta (seafood and chicken mix) (Rs 649). It replaces the original recipe of rice with penne. On the palate, it tastes like desi teekha pasta. This, we pair with our last drink, Liplock (Rs 599). The concoction of tequila, pink grapefruit syrup and jalapeño doesn’t balance the spice and sweetness. While Kona Kona is spot-on with its food philosophy, the cocktails could do with a serious rethink. Kona Kona Hospitality AT Venture LLP, Unit No 27-30, Kuber Complex, New Link Road, Andheri West.TIMe 12 pm to 1.30 amCALL 9867880076
09 May,2025 09:13 AM IST | Mumbai | Phorum PandyaNestled in a quiet, green landscape, Gypsy Soul is a campsite in Panshet that ticks all the boxes when it comes to recreation. “We wanted to provide a space to people where they can leave behind the tension of their city lives and unwind in the beauty of nature,” Ashish Bhangdiya, co-founder, shares. Guests on a sunset hike. Pics courtesy/Gypsy Soul Lit up with ambient lights, spacious tents and seating zones, the hilltop property can host close to 500 people for a fun weekend getaway. “We have tried to keep the landscape as it is without transforming it altogether as a camping spot. There are tents and cottages where people halt but apart from that the area completely surrounded by dense greenery with a view of the Panshet dam as well,” he says, adding that the low levels of light pollution in the location enables guests to engage in star gazing and spot celestial bodies like the Moon, Saturn and Jupiter, guided by a team of experts. Visitors gather around a bonfire at the venue A chartered accountant by profession, Bhangdiya decided to start this venture in 2019 after noticing increasing public interest in clamping and glamping, especially in the working crowd of Pune and Mumbai. With a special firefly spotting session planned later this month, the venue will light up in its customary manner to host people with exciting activities this weekend as well. From live music performances by indie artistes and bands, bonfire sessions, an open air cinema screening favourites like Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (2013), Zindagi Na Milegi Dobara (2011), among others (enjoyed with bowls of noodles at midnight) to group games like Jenga, table tennis and mini football, the location also has reading corners for those who want to indulge in some quiet moments of self-care. “We wanted to ensure everyone feels welcome in the area and has the freedom to do what they like. That is how one can truly unwind,” Bhangdiya concludes. ON May 10 and 11; 3 pm (check in time)AT Gypsy Soul, Panshet, Pune.LOG ON TO district.inCOST Rs 1,500 onwards (inclusive of accomodation and food)
09 May,2025 09:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Divyasha PandaOn March 14, the Union Government announced a $1 billion fund to support digital content creation in India, labelling it a thriving hub for the content creator ecosystem. On April 24, Misha Agrawal, a 24-year-old lifestyle content creator, died by suicide; succumbing to a toxic byproduct of this ecosystem that was lurking behind those tall numbers. “My little baby sister had built her world around Instagram and her followers, with a single goal of reaching 1 million followers and gaining loving fans. When her followers started decreasing, she became distraught and felt worthless,” her sister said in an official statement after Misha’s death. Misha Agrawal's phone wallpaper shows her goal of amassing one million followers. Pics courtesy/themishaagrawalshow on Instagram In the first part of our series on the young and the famous featuring cricketing prodigy Vaibhav Sooryavanshi, experts underlined the crucial role parents and elders play in helping young achievers navigate fame. But what happens when the fame comes from a world that parents can barely grasp, experts are only beginning to study, and the creators themselves don’t fully understand? The new cool “Almost every class I teach has four to five students who tell me they want to become influencers,” says Sayalee Natu, who teaches a media course at ML Dahanukar College, Vile Parle. “It’s just a repackaged version of wanting to have the biggest friend group back in school. The platform has changed, but the instinct is the same. In some ways, it has actually made popularity more accessible,” she remarks. Taking a simple test with friends or family can help the individual feel comfortable Who doesn’t like a few extra likes on a new post? The key to riding the wave of this newfound attention, Natu suggests, is to remember that your followers are not your friends. And they aren’t your enemies either. “The term ‘followers’ is a tad misleading. They are merely your audience that wants to consume the product you create. Expecting them to behave like real-life friends is setting yourself up for disappointment. But on the bright side, it also means you don’t owe them anything more than your work,” she says. Sayalee Natu Algorithm is king Easier said than done, agrees cyber psychologist Nirali Bhatia, who specialises in social media and internet addiction. “Instagram is engineered for attraction, interaction, and ultimately addiction. New features like one that now allows you to hide your like count are ineffective afterthoughts,” she reveals. According to Bhatia, the platform’s algorithm traps creators in a dopamine-fuelled loop, where a reel that does well is soon followed by one that flops, keeping them constantly chasing the next hit. “It’s a lot like playing a slot machine at a casino. You’re always waiting for the next big win.” Nirali Bhatia Based on her experience with young clients, Bhatia recommends using a checklist along with small, practical solutions as a gentler way to help them recognise the problem. “You can’t just tell a young creator that something is wrong. They take it as criticism and stop listening. But if you notice signs like constant irritability, a strong attachment to their phone, or sudden mood swings, hand them a simple checklist or better yet, take the test together. It encourages self-reflection without making them feel judged,” she says. Strike a balance between online and real-life relationships to steer clear of overdependence on social media. Representation pics/istock1 Too obsessed with insights?The insights section on social media apps dives into your performance in great detail like reach, impressions, shares and performance over time. Some amount of anxiety is healthy to drive performance. But don’t let it become an obsession. 2 Is there over-consumption?This constant anxiety often comes not from creating too much, but from watching others succeed. Try to knowingly cut down the time you spend checking out other people’s pages. Instead, redirect that energy towards your own growth. 3 Is my feed healthy?It’s easy to build an echo chamber where your niche becomes your whole world. Keep refreshing your chosen interests on the app and use the feed reset feature if needed to avoid getting stuck in a loop. 4 Am I filling a void?Ask yourself if the likes and comments are becoming a stand-in for real connection. Online validation feels good, but it’s no replacement for affirmation from people who actually know you. While the checklist serves as a useful first step, Bhatia maintains that professional help is ultimately the most effective path forward. “There’s a lingering stigma around the issue, which is why most young clients are brought in by their parents,” she observes. As for those who seek help on their own, they usually do it when the problem has already taken a serious toll on their personal life. “I wish they feel comfortable to seek help sooner,” she signs off. I wish I knew... Content creators who have found the balance share vital lessons Deepak Pareek, 347k followersEvery creator has at some point stayed up till 3 am in tears, has dealt with breakdowns, and questioned everything. That uncertainty comes with the fact that sometimes your income depends on your numbers. I always remind myself that the freebies, the invites and the spotlight all come at a cost. And there’s a point beyond which I’m just not willing to pay for it. It is unfortunate that right now there are no real mentors, roadmaps, or guides to follow in an industry that is so nascent. If it’s getting too much for you, always remember that it is okay to walk away from the profession; don’t walk away from life. Akshada Patil, 270k followersWe must come to terms with the fact that numbers can fluctuate for many reasons, most of them beyond our control. If I start pandering to the algorithm, my content loses its authenticity and ironically, that’s when it stops doing well anyway. I wish someone had told me to focus on myself instead of looking outwards. Real growth, and subsequent joy comes when you focus on your own voice, your pace, and your purpose. Suicide helplines Asara (24x7) 98204 66726Languages: Hindi and English Snehi (10 am to 10 pm)93768 04102 Languages: English, Hindi and Marathi
09 May,2025 09:06 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleADVERTISEMENT
