You don’t have to tap into the Labubu hysteria to know that bag charms are the IT accessory of the season. The reasons why are several — from a maximalist revival that’s rapidly replacing the now passé notions of quiet luxury, to a heightened sense of individuality and expression. As stylist Disha Selarka puts it, “In a world full of sameness and conformity, where every ‘IT’ girl is sporting the similar attire popularised by the same social media trends, bag charms are an interesting way to let a bit of your personality peek through.” Disha Selarka The juxtaposition of whimsical, even child-like charms with often sedate luxury handbags, which are typically the object of such arts-and-crafts-style decorations, can tone down their sedateness, and make them playful while still being posh. If you’re exhausted by the constant stream of collectible plushies with devilish grins that is currently flooding social media and online shopping platforms, here’s a roundup of indie alternatives that are easy on the pocket while still being high on the swag quotient. Balloon-style adorableness Pic Courtesy/Fancypantsthestore.com No longer limited to party tricks, balloon toys have come into their own as objets d’art across media. And now, you can string one to your tote as an ode to those birthday parties of yore. This charming resin balloon dog comes in a variety of eye-popping colours and is quite reasonably priced. Layer with metallic accents to downplay the childishness or accentuate it with other fun party favours and plushies.AT Fancy Pants, 16th Road, Bandra West. LOG ON TO fancypantsthestore.com COST Rs 499 Delicately ditzy If you’ve been meaning to switch to a healthier, more colourful diet, here’s some tiny, jangly inspiration to keep you committed. This miniature fruit platter (above) is bright, delicate and whimsical while still being sophisticated. Add it to your zipper or strap buckle to instantly brighten up your purse.LOG ON TO thecharmshop.inCOST Rs 2500 Good enough to eat Pic courtesy/ esmaric.com Regardless of whether you think of yourself as a gourmet or a gourmand, these homegrown snack-inspired key chains will bring a smile to your face and trigger unexpected hunger pangs. Almost life-like in their detail and with quaint themes that include chai-biscuit (below), samosa (below), ghevar and jalebi, these keychains are a must-add to your stack and are sure to be a delightful conversation starter with like-minded foodies.LOG ON TO esmaric.inCOST Rs 249 Be your muse In what would perhaps be called an ultimate form of fashion inception, this platform lets your bag wear you instead of the other way around — except for the fact that the ‘you’ in question is made of crocheted cotton, inspired by a photograph of yourself that you can pick out and send to the crocheter and features an impressive level of detail. As a bonus, these ‘mini-me’ dolls come in sets of one and two, giving you the option to dedicate some of your bag’s aesthetic square-footage to a special someone. Call 9819060144LOG ON TO zwende.com COST Rs 1590 onwards Live your charmed life Bag charms don’t have to be expensive to be head-turning, suggests Selarka. She notes that your existing jewellery can be easily repurposed to dress up your handbags. “Focus the bulk of your attention on the handles. Wrap a scarf around them and drape a chain between them from which you can connect other charms. Keychains can be looped at the base of the handles,” she explains. Repurposed jewellery, keychains and collectable merchandise can showcase your style and personality by juxtaposing quirkiness with chic on your bag charms. Pics Courtesy/@elizabethsulcer >> For a more harmonious look, you coordinate the colour palette of your charms with that of your bag. If you choose to go this route, pay attention to matching the metal hardware. Another alternative is to just let your heart decide and really lean into the maximalist vibe with bows, plushies and other baubles. >> Layer your charms for a more nuanced and personal look. Don’t just limit yourself to plushies, jewellery or keychains — coin pouches, sanitiser holders, collectable merchandise of any fandom or even mini versions of the bag are other interesting alternatives >> Crochet and macrame charms are trendy, durable, versatile and work well with knapsacks and other larger bags that are typically used by college students and office-goers. Choose a bright colour to add a playful pop to your ensemble. >> While crossbody bags are well suited to more delicate or subtle charms, mini bags work well with one standout charm that matches their attention-grabbing form. Tote bags offer plenty of room for experimentation — DIY your aesthetic with a mix of necklaces, beads and any spare accessories.
09 July,2025 10:15 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulIf there are a hundred things that separate GenZers from Millenials, drones might be one of the few things that possibly unites them. From teenagers and young adults, to working professionals, many have been bitten by the drone bug and are ever-curious to acquire the correct skill sets to master it. This is where Drone School India (DSI) and Drona Aviation Pvt Ltd. might offer a suitable platform. The idea was born at Riidl — a start-up and technology business incubator at Somaiya Vidyavihar campus in central Mumbai. DSI, in collaboration with the manufacturing company, are organising a fun, yet educational workshop for people who wish to know all about drones, irrespective of their age, gender or profession. Apurva Donde (in black) supervises the assembly of a drone. Pics Courtesy/Drona Aviation Having conducted various workshops since their inception in 2019, DSI aims to make learning of drones easy and accessible to all. “The first part of the workshop covers the theoretical aspect which will cover the terminology, aerodynamics, components and commands given to operate the drone. The second half involves teaching them how to assemble a drone based on the kit provided at the workshop and fly them,” explains Dharna Nar, Chief Technology Officer (CTO) and Drone-Acharya at DSI. That’s not all; a fun, interactive competition awaits the participants at the end of the workshop. “A track of hula hoops will be placed at different positions and participants have to pass their drones through the hoops. The one who manages to clear the track in the shortest amount of time without any collision would be the winner,” states Nar. A participant builds a drone (right) A close-up of a drone mechanism Manufacturing and providing these DIY and programmable drones for the workshop are Drona Aviation, a company formed in IIT Bombay that often collaborates with other forums or individuals for similar educational events. “With drones being used in recent wars, students and people in their 30s and 40s are interested in building a career in the drone industry. This workshop is being conducted keeping in mind the lack of guidance and knowledge regarding the rules and regulations and addressing them along with teaching them the physics behind building and flying a drone,” Apurva Donde, a training and sales manager at Drona Aviation and a DGCA-approved drone pilot explains. Dharna Nar and Apurva Donde ON Saturday, July 12; also on July 26AT KJ Somaiya School of Engineering, Vidyanagar, Vidyavihar East. Time 2 pm to 7 pmLOG ON TO www.district.inENTRY Rs 2999 (to register)
09 July,2025 10:10 AM IST | Mumbai | Rhea VargheseOne of my favourite places in the city is Sassoon Docks. I can sit there and watch the ships for hours,” admits Naresh Kumar, as we speak over the phone. Coincidentally, the conversation takes place while this writer is passing through Bandra’s Bandstand promenade. The sea is a constant presence for any Mumbaikar — homegrown or migrant. These unifying identities and exploration of individual freedoms in a fractured world are key to his first solo exhibition, Act of Republic that opens in a Fort gallery tomorrow. Resistance in a Republic Kumar has returned from a residency in South Korea recently. “Even there, I witnessed protests against immigration, and inhuman laws,” he shares, underlining the global nature of the issue. His works are a ‘personal resistance’ to this growing battle. (From left) Mother tongue-(I); Protester (I) from Naresh Kumar’s body of work Born in a family of low-income farmers in Bihar, Kumar is the only one among his six siblings to move away. Education at the Patna Arts College, and a fellowship at the Ecole Nationale Superiere des Beaux-Arts de Paris allowed him to do so. “I was lucky to find my way out through education. The purpose of my work, therefore, is to express the ideas of an individual who has migrated and survived,” he elaborates. Migration, he points out, is after all a very human trait. City of migrants It is no surprise that Mumbai finds a way into the conversation. Kumar first arrived in the city back in 2014, after a stint in Paris. “I was invited to show here, and was based in Colaba. I found the city very similar to Paris, with its cafés for artists and authors to mingle. I knew I wanted to build a studio here [in Colaba], and did a few years later near Ballard Estate,” he recalls. Now based in Delhi, he still finds himself travelling in and out of the city through the year. Residue of the Future (II), 2022-2025 This intermingling of identities, past and present, is further reflected in the choice of his canvas — leafs of The Yellow Pages. “I read that the world is turning into a database. Those who own the data will own the world. What about the data of the past? You walk around Colaba, and it is left in the roads, the buildings and the motifs on the architecture. I was seeking tactile reminders of the old cosmopolitanism,” he shares. The telephone directory was a space where everything in the city came together, inclusive of their individual identities. Naresh Kumar The 27 works are divided into five rooms across the gallery, each addressing a theme. Each work captures a distinct feature of identity that is a raging battleground across the world today. Referring to one in particular, Mother tongue, he says, “It was actually picked up by Shireen Gandhy [director, Chemould Prescott Road] who suggested it was the soul of the entire body of work. It is an expression of images that find a home in stories told by mothers across the world,” he says. A closer look at the patterns will reveal animals from kauwa (crow) to khargosh (rabbit) in the works. In a time when linguistic divides are deepening faultlines, especially in the city, it reflects on the common visual language that shapes our first perception of the world. Identity in art For Kumar, it boils down to the individual and his place in the Republic. “The individual republic is born within every individual. There is a lot of complexity to the individual human being, especially when placed within the larger system,” he concludes. It certainly resonates in the context of this week. FROM July 10 to August 28; 10 am to 6 pm (Monday to Saturday) AT Chemould Prescott Road, Queens Mansion, G Talwatkar Marg, Fort.
09 July,2025 10:04 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarIt is easy to lose yourself in a conversation with theatre director Makarand Deshpande. The veteran can speak easily on issues from art, literature to social concerns. Language, right now, seems to be the topic of debate, but Deshpande enjoys watching his characters evolve on different stages. Having written in Marathi and Hindi, and acted in English as well, the writer-director is as ‘cosmopolitan’ as the city itself. “I suppose it was the way I grew up, and the world I grew up in. I started writing in Hindi back in the 1990s,” he shares. This colourful mix of languages, texture, characters and voices will make their way to the Prithvi Theatre stage with Ansh Theatre Group’s Natya Leela this week. Niladri Kumar performs during a previous staging of the play, Patni “It all kicks off on Tuesday (today), with Sir Premacha Kai Karaicha?” shares Deshpande, the group’s founder. The play is the Marathi adaptation of his long-running show, Sir, Sir, Sarla. “We had done it in Gujarati also with Pratik [Gandhi] and Bhamini [Oza Gandhi] in the lead.” The adaptation has taken a while, admits the playwright. “I wrote this play in Hindi back in 2001. It was much later in 2019 that I started working on the Marathi adaptation. I must say I had a lot of fun. It is always interesting to see characters that have evolved in another language, and find their feet in your language. Plus, it was familiar to the milieu that was very Maharashtrian in tone,” he adds. Naseeruddin Shah and the late Irrfan Khan at Prithvi Theatre for the Ansh Darshak Utsav in 2017. Pic/Satej Shinde The production is one of four pieces, including the experimental musical performance of Patni that features a jugalbandi between Deshpande and sitar maestro Niladri Kumar. Opening on Friday, the performance is a duet between ‘sangeet and bhaav’, explains Deshpande. “There are moments when he [Niladri Kumar] goes with the flow. As a composer, he is so sensitive that he can often tap into one particular emotion. As an actor, that can be an exciting challenge,” he shares. It is not all performance though. The festival will also witness Deshpande join Naseeruddin Shah on stage for a conversation ‘Natya Charcha’ on Sunday. “I intend to open up the forum for him to speak about his discovery of the theatre on which he performs, and the theatre within him,” Deshpande reveals. The theatre maker admits, it will be an attempt to unravel the ‘truth of the performance’. (From left) Akanksha Gade and Makarand Deshpande in Sir Premacha Kai Karaicha? Pics Courtesy/Ansh Theatre Group The productions have travelled through the last few years, with Deshpande a constant amidst it. “Theatre resurrects you. It is how architects and heritage experts look at old, ruined buildings and find chipped glass, rusted iron beams and find a way to resurrect them. In the same way, performances restore the works, and they restore you as a theatre artiste,” he signs off. FROM July 8 to July 13; 5 pm onwardsAT Prithvi Theatre, 20, Juhu Church Road, Juhu.LOG ON TO prithvitheatre.orgCOST Rs 300 onwards Catch these shows at the festival >> ManushyaON July 9 and 10; 8 pmENTRY Rs 300 onwards >> Patni [ft Makarand Deshpande and Niladri Kumar]ON July 11; 8 pmENTRY Rs 500 >> PiyakkadON July 12; 6 pm and 9 pmENTRY Rs 500 >> Natya Charcha (Naseeruddin Shah and Makarand Deshpande) ON July 13; 11.30 am ENTRY Rs 500 onwards >> Sir Sir SarlaON July 13; 5 pm and 9 pmENTRY Rs 500
08 July,2025 09:37 AM IST | Mumbai | Shriram IyengarAs Theodore Dreiser, an American journalist and novelist rightly said, “Art is the stored honey of the human soul.” Since time immemorial, preservation of various art forms has continued to inspire modern art culture, enabling its survival for the future generations to witness. Artist Siddharth Soni’s untitled artwork at the Immerse 2025 exhibition A similar initiative, undertaken by Dr Shantilal K Somaiya School of Art and Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation aims (JNAF) to bridge the gap between the thriving art ecosystem and the present education system through The Art of Learning About Art, a platform to discuss various resources required to mould the learning that encompasses the dynamic and ever-changing world of art. Having recently introduced two MA programmes; Art History and Visual Studies and Writing and Criticism, one-of-a-kind in India, the subjects offered in the course are aimed to place Mumbai one step closer to the global art platforms. An artwork by Bhanu Shrivastav Gracing the event will be a panel of notable artists and curators such as Bose Krishnamachari, director of Kochi-Muziris Biennale, Reena Saini Kallat, internationally-acclaimed artist from Mumbai, Puja Vaish, director, JNAF and Siddharth Somaiya, chairman, Board of Studies, Dr Shantilal K. Somaiya School of Art. Abhay Sardesai, director of the University, will be the moderator for the discussion. Abhay Sardesai “The panellists will look at how, over the years, the act of learning and teaching about art has changed, the deficiencies of the system that are now ready to be re-invented and how all of us can come together to create different and relevant syllabi,’’ stated Sardesai. With the aim to improve and upgrade the present art pedagogy to make space for the rising art culture, the discussion strives to impart certain key takeaways for the audience, including, “knowing the different ways in which we are trying to understand our changing landscape of art and how art history, writing and art criticism can help deepen the understanding of art, locally and internationally,” states Sardesai. ON July 11; 5.30 pm onwardsAT Jehangir Nicholson Art Foundation, Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Vastu Sangrahalaya, Mahatma Gandhi Road, Fort. LOG ON TO snehal.morey@somaiya.edu (for queries and registration)
08 July,2025 09:28 AM IST | Mumbai | Rhea VargheseBefore ‘being in someone’s story’ meant making a fleeting appearance on someone’s Instagram for 24 hours, writers Yahya Bootwala, Priya Malik and Amandeep Singh were part of Tape A Tale founder Kopal Khanna’s real-life story. Eight years strong now, the tape is still rolling for the close knit community that has charted a journey from Khar in 2017 to venues in Australia recently. This weekend, an anniversary celebration will see old friends from the group reunite. An unusual Kamra-derie Before cafés in this city rolled out red carpets for events as vague as ‘coffee raves’, times were a tad different. “We started as an audio story platform for the world to hear our stories. That world ended up being 40 listeners,” Khanna laughs, adding, “I then went café hopping in Andheri in 2017, asking for venue collaborations for physical shows. They looked at me like I’d lost the plot,” Khanna recalls. A familiar face would eventually bring things on track. Singh (second from left), Khanna (centre) and comedian Samay Raina (extreme right) in a moment from one of the earliest shows by the group. PICS COURTESY/KOPAL KHANNA; Instagram “We always wanted a stand-up comedian to host our shows to bring some comedic relief between the deeply emotional stories. My roommate at the time had been on a Hinge date with Kunal Kamra, who was doing fairly well for himself. We took a shot in the dark, and gave him a phone call to pitch the idea,” Khanna chuckles. The comedian would agree, on one condition — the show would have to be hosted at The Habitat, Khar. “And so, our association with the venue began with open mics. Suddenly, stories that were locked away in people’s diaries had a spotlight over them,” Khanna shares. Among these early participants were Amandeep Singh, Mohammed Sadriwala, and Mazgaon-based and Internet-favourite new age poet, Yahya Bootwala. “I remember I performed a romantic poem at their second-ever open mic. Khanna came across as someone who had a balanced understanding of art and the business of art. It was something the scene needed desperately,” Bootwala recalls. Poetry goes cool Some digging in the depths of the Internet reveals that this writer might have more in common with Bootwala, whose first tryst with writing came as a student columnist for a city newspaper. “I was a student at RD National College [Bandra] when the opportunity came my way. Ever since, I’ve taken up copywriting, radio and eventually full-time writing jobs. Now that I look back, my writings have consistently explored the intricacies of human relationships across the mediums,” he reveals. Ayushmann Khurrana performs at an open mic in Bandra. PIC COURTESY/TAPE A TALE ON YOUTUBE Soon, Bootwala found himself on the other side of the news, this time for his viral poem, Shayad Woh Pyaar Nahi, which stands at 18 million views today. “Three days after the video was posted, I was at a mall when a woman pulled out her phone and showed me my own video. ‘Yeh aap hi hai?’ she asked. It was all so unexpected,” he fondly recalls. This weekend, the writer will give it back to his audience, quite literally with a performance that entails audience participation. Conflict and resolution Every fairytale must have an antagonist, and for the group, it came wearing a mask. “The pandemic was, without a doubt, our most challenging phase. The poetry and storytelling scene was so nascent that if we sat back for two years, people would have forgotten us forever,” Khanna shares. Through online fundraisers, online shows, and storytelling workshops, Khanna pulled through. “But it dealt us a tough blow, nevertheless. Many artistes flew back to their homes across the country, and never returned,” she rues. Kopal Khanna It would be apt to say the group made a full recovery, launching their own open mic venture, Ghar, and expanding to more than 30 cities across India. In March, Khanna received a nod from tinsel town when actor Ayushmann Khurrana crashed an open mic. “We received a call from his team asking if he could make a special appearance with a poem he had written just two days ago. Ayushmann has been a longtime supporter of storytelling in the city,” Khanna reveals. To the next chapter With almost all boxes ticked, we ask the duo what lies ahead of them. Bootwala hints at an upcoming web-series that he has been working on. “It’s a story set in 2017. Around the same time new art forms started mushrooming in Mumbai. It will hit close to home,” he teases. For Khanna, her next milestone lies in the hills of Dharamshala, where her new festival IP will debut later this year. Do we know more? Perhaps. But that’s a story for another day. ON July 13; 6 pm to 8 pmAT The Habitat, Hotel Unicontinental, Road 3, Khar West.LOG ON TO @tapeatale on Instagram; district.in (for tickets)ENTRY Rs 499 onwards
08 July,2025 09:22 AM IST | Mumbai | Devashish KambleSurprise! PIC COURTESY/Jamjar Diner The Flower Pot Dessert is the perfect way to get the sweet cravings out of the way. Dig into the ‘soil’ made with crushed Oreos and you will find a mix of marshmallows, cashews and vanilla ice cream.AT Jamjar Diner, Aram Nagar Part 2, Machlimar, Versova, Andheri West.CALL 75066 40066COST Rs 495 Naan-negotiable PIC COURTESY/BOMBAY NAAN HOUSE The classic chocolate-bread pairing gets a desi twist in the Chocolate Naan. Stuffed with a chocolate crumble and topped with generous servings of chocolate sauce, the experiment comes from the heart of quirky dishes in Mumbai, Mahavir Nagar.AT Bombay Naan House, Suryadarshan CHSL, Mahavir Nagar, Kandivli West.CALL 9833365221COST Rs 220 Goodbye, guilt PIC COURTESY/SANTE SPA AND CUISINE Your fitness goals and chocolate cravings can go hand in hand. The Real Belgian Dark Chocolate Granola Smoothie bowl is a nutritious blend of almond milk, banana, and dates, topped with granola, chia seeds, and fresh fruit. With an almond milk base, it makes for the ideal guilt-free treat today.AT Sante Spa Cuisine, locations across Girgaon, BKC, and Goregaon.CALL 876786222 (Girgaon)COST Rs 975 Sweet ‘n’ spicy PIC COURTESY/LA FOLIE Take a trip to Japan with sweet Oishi Bonbons made with vegan sesame praline, exotic togarashi spice, passion fruit and caramel, creating a medley of flavours that offer an irresistible experience.AT La Folie, Rope Walk Lane, Next to Trishna Restaurant, Kala Ghoda, Fort. CALL 9167722181COST Rs 150 Dosa overdose PIC COURTESY/SOUTH TIFFIN HOUSE Whisper an apology to our fellow countrymen down South before you tuck into the Chocolate Dosa. Unlike chocolate crepes, this one is a traditional crisp South Indian dosa slathered with molten chocolate. It even comes with a side of chocolate sauce for the adventurous ones.AT South Tiffin House, Central Avenue, Powai; near Chakala metro station, Andheri East.CALL 9082652646 (Andheri)COST Rs 220 Say cheese PIC COURTESY/CRAVING’S CORNER Two guilty pleasures — chocolate and cheese — meet between breads in the Chocolate Cheese Grill. Personally, we wouldn’t say no to this loaded sandwich with gooey cream cheese and oodles of rich chocolate.AT Craving’s Corner, Durga Sadan, near Sahyadri Playground, Kurla East.CALL 9930300451COST Rs 300 Chocolate high PIC COURTESY/MERCII Fancy a garnish of chocolate dust on your drink? Tira ‘Miss’ U, inspired by the timeless Italian dessert, packs the kick of coffee, sweetness of cocoa and a blend of blanco and reposado tequila in a glass. AT Mercii, Crest Building, B1, Plot 81C, Linking Road, Bandra West. CALL 9819467777COST Rs 1550 Good old treats PIC COURTESY/THE FUCHSIA LOFT Purists, look away. The Chocolate Boy cocktail at this restaurant adds a chocolatey spin to the classic old fashioned whiskey cocktail. The orange peel comes with a piece of chocolate for a sweet twist.AT The Fuchsia Loft, Hotel Kings International, 5, Juhu Tara Road.CALL 9820453585COST Rs 950 Martini moments PIC COURTESY/THE BLUEBOP CAFE The name is martini, Chocolate Martini. This heady drink features chocolate gelato blended with the hit of an espresso. We suggest you ring in the day in high spirits with this brave concoction. AT The Bluebop Café, 318, Linking Road, Khar West.CALL 9372202586COST Rs 650
07 July,2025 01:56 PM IST | Mumbai | Devashish Kamble | Rhea VargheseAny relationship requires an equal contribution from both individuals, whether it’s brother and sister, mother and daughter, husband and wife, business or romantic partners. Exploring this theme, the Empurple theatre group brings a unique playback where the audience gets to share their experience of a relationship, where it will be enacted spontaneously by theatre actors. The Goregaon-based performance group will showcase this unique concept, titled 50-50: Rishton ka Pitara-A Playback Theatre Show and help the audience open up about their relationships with their respective partners. The group enacts a scene The founder of the group, Preeti Birla Nair, explains, “It is an interactive performance where we, the actors, do not come with any prepared script. What we come up with is a theme that forms the larger guideline or an overarching umbrella, setting our minds in a particular direction. This theme could be very broad or it could be pertinent and specific. And I think 50-50: Rishton Ka Pitara sits somewhere in between.” When asked how she came up with this idea, she says, “Just a couple of weeks back, I was celebrating my parents’ 50th wedding anniversary, and I thought what a lovely opportunity to bring in the playback theatre context to this huge celebration. Usually, there is singing and dancing, but this can add a very different element. Listening to our guests, what they feel, what kind of relationship they are celebrating, and the memories they have with respect to their spouse. While we were thinking about this, one of my team members came up with the title of 50-50. It will give our audience a place to pause in this busy line, connect with themselves and others without judgement.” Nair is aware that it could be difficult to make the audience feel comfortable immediately, “We, as actors, will share little snippets from our lives. One of us will share their experience, and the other actors will enact it. This will give cues to the audience and will make them feel comfortable and safe. The key takeaways for the audience are that they feel a sense of relief at the end of the show.” ON July 11, 7 pmAT Funkaar, Laxmi Business Park, SAB TV Road, Laxmi Industrial Estate, Andheri West. LOG ON TO district.inENTRY Rs 500
07 July,2025 11:31 AM IST | Mumbai | Minal SanchetiThe alleged rivalry between top tennis seeds Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff isn’t the only headline-grabbing news arising from the Wimbledon greens this summer. The oldest, and arguably most prestigious, tennis tournament in the world has been receiving its fair share of nattily attired celebrity spectators, giving rise to a new bouquet of sartorial trends. Spectators at this year’s edition. PIC courtesy/Wimbledon on X “Once associated with understated elegance, Wimbledon has now become much more daring and individualistic in terms of its aesthetic, with fashion-loving attendees still colouring inside the lines of acceptability and appropriateness. The tournament has become a major style moment, and we’re observing a silent but undeniable shift from the bland ‘quiet luxury’ looks that were once synonymous with such events,” shares image consultant Greeshma Thampi. She identifies some of this season’s hottest trends, straight off the courts. Who: Priyanka ChopraWhat: A classic white sundress Why it works: There’s a reason why the term Wimbledon Whites has gained so much traction over the years — the colour works perfectly for hot summer days and is a classic pick keeping in mind the tournament’s traditions as well as its understated charm. Greeshma Thampi Thampi explains, “This dress features a structured collar for a slightly more formal look, while the floor-length adds an element of effortless femininity. When dressing up for a formal or semi-formal event, subtle details such as these can make even a comfortable cotton dress appear more put-together and nuanced. While Priyanka wore the colour from head to toe, you could add pops of contrast by way of emerald or ruby-toned jewellery or pastel-accented accessories. This year, many designers are keeping colours simple and focusing their attention on the waistline, which is a part of the dress that many take for granted. You could choose between a dropped waistline, an antebellum or Basque waistline, or even a cinched waist to make your dress stand out.” Tom Daley. PIC COURTESY/ TOM DALEY on Instagram Who: Tom DaleyWhat: A pastel monochrome suitWhy it works: Proving the versatility of pastels, Daley sported a dusky teal ensemble, pulling off a major monotone moment since it’s a challenging shade to pull off. “By wearing the colour in hues and saturations across components of his suit, Daley allowed each piece to stand out while blending in. He added contrast with beige accessories, an interesting choice that adhered to the overall calming colour palette while also offering a visual break. Recreate his aesthetic with a slim fit suit in light blue, mint green, lavender and beige; all are 2025’s trending colours. Pair pastels with earthy neutrals like browns, tans or creams, and experiment with textural or tonal contrasts for a polished finish. Linen is a hot pick for suiting fabric, especially in summer,” Thampi summarises. Cate Blanchett. PIC COURTESY/Cate.blanchett ON INSTAGRAM Who: Cate BlanchettWhat: A silk pantsuit featuring Prince of Wales checks Why it works: A classic pantsuit should be a staple in every wardrobe, opines Thampi. She points out that the lighter silk fabric offers more breathability in warmer climates, while the relaxed fit is flattering on most body types. The check pattern, which is also known as the Glen check or Glen plaid, is backed by rich history — first adopted by Edward VII in the 19th Century, the pattern has been spotted both on and off the runway on various celebrities and dignitaries, including Princess Diana. “Since this is a very statement print, it is advisable to wear it with neutrals and keep accessories to a minimum. Softer colours and a lighter fabric add a feminine touch to a print that can easily look quite stuffy,” Thampi says. Olivia Rodrigo in a gingham shirt dress Who: Olivia RodrigoWhat: Reimagining strawberries-and-cream in a chic gingham shirt dressWhy it works: A playful nod to another Wimbledon staple, strawberries and cream, Rodrigo’s vintage dress features one of the hottest trends this summer — vintage gingham prints. The preppy look lends itself to several interpretations. “Lesser obvious ways of wearing the pattern — which can feel a tad similar to a tablecloth — are to wear smaller versions of the print, and to wear it in separates. A pair of well-fitted capris, which are making a comeback this year, a peasant top or a ruched mini dress can inject modernity. Large gingham checks can have a broadening effect and are better suited to those parts of your body you want to highlight. Pair your gingham pieces with contrasting solids to avoid looking too cutesy or with floral prints for an elegant diversion,” Thampi signs off.
07 July,2025 09:39 AM IST | Mumbai | Anindita PaulBeloved detective fiction writer Agatha Christie’s great grandson, James Pritchard, recently confirmed that a new TV adaptation of Miss Marple is underway. He stated that Marple’s character had been “underestimated” and needed to return for the modern audiences. Miss Marple made her first appearance in a short story titled The Tuesday Night Club in 1927, and later in the full-length novel, The Murder at the Vicarage in 1930. We’re curious to see how the character evolves in its modern sensibilities almost a century after its first publication. Meanwhile, here are our recommendations, if you’re looking for an introduction to Christie’s detective of St Mary Mead. READ4.50 from Paddington: As Mrs McGillicuddy looks out of the train window, she sees a man in a big coat grabbing a woman by her throat in the first-class carriage of the parallel train passing by. After reporting what she witnessed to the ticket collector, she takes the case to her friend at St Mary Mead, the sharp and shrewd Miss Marple, the only one who would believe her. When no ‘body’ is found in the train, the case becomes curiouser. Miss Marple devises a plan to visit “the terrain of the crime”. She must find out who was murdered, who committed the crime, and how the body went missing from the 4.50 train from Paddington. If you’re a first-time Marple reader, this is a great place to start.Available Leading bookstores and e-stores A Blue Plaque at Marple railway station commemorates the town’s connection to the detective. Pic Courtesy/geograph.org.uk LISTENShedunnit’s Miss Marple, Spinster Sleuth: In this podcast, host Caroline Crampton is joined by Leandra Griffith, whose research on the spinster detective opens interesting questions. Griffith offers a feminist reading of Christie’s “elderly woman character” of the early 20th century. The two discuss the period when Marple was written, shedding light on how the detective navigated her way using the feminine qualities expected of her to her advantage. Unlike the “action-packed”, “globetrotting” heroes, like Hercule Poirot, who have access to various spaces, Marple is more confined to domestic spaces. She is seen knitting or tending to her garden. Her quiet intelligence, resourcefulness, and observations on human nature, make her distinct from the others. She is Christie’s answer of an alternative to the male-dominated, heroic tradition within crime fiction.LOG ON TO Spotify; YouTube Agatha Christie WATCHAgatha Christie’s Marple (2004 TV series): Over the years, several actors have portrayed Miss Marple, Joan Hickson being one of the best-known ones. It’s been famously noted that Christie wrote to Hickson in the 1940s, and hoped that she would play the role of Marple someday. The writer didn’t live to see the 1984 series helmed by the actress. The more recent 2004 ITV adaptation features Geraldine McEwan as Marple for the first three seasons and Julia McKenzie for the next three. This adaptation called for a contrast from Hickson’s 1984 version. It is delightful to see the sprightly charm that McEwan brings to this early 21st century adaptation, and the meditative thoughtfulness that McKenzie adds to the character. LOG ON TO SonyLiv
05 July,2025 08:53 AM IST | Mumbai | Nandini VarmaA visionary who influenced Bengali music, literature and art with his poignant verses and radical thinking, Rabindranath Tagore paved the path of humanitarianism and being one with nature which has been successfully carried out by his followers since decades. Tagore’s Visva-Bharati University was founded in 1921 in Santiniketan and soon became a hub for traditional holistic learning, while meeting global educational standards. Its alumni association, bs residing in Mumbai and housing over 150 members was registered and established in 2004, and is now celebrating 20 years of achieving milestones, through a series of songs, dance and dramatic performances at an event called Tagore Vibrance. (From left to right) Kaushik Basu (on tabla); Ritupurna Pal (on synthesiser); Shurjo Bhattacharya; Kritee Ghosh; Puja Roy; Soumyakanti Adhikari; Sagarika Choudhury and Susmita Mitra at a rehearsal. Pics Courtesy/Dr Swati Bawra From backing various NGOs that help destitute children, to distributing blankets to pavement dwellers, and scheduling dental and other medical check-ups, the Association, through this event aims to raise funds to support various causes while showcasing some of Tagore’s finest works in Bengali, Marathi, Gujarati and Hindi. Dr Swati Bawra The event will begin with an ornamental tree plantation, a tradition started by Tagore himself in 1928. ‘’The sapling is brought in a dola, with a dance procession to the stage. There, five kids, representing the five elements of nature — air, water, fire, earth and space — sit on the stage. The chief guest plants the sapling and the five elements do the invocation so that the sapling grows in the future and helps mankind,” shared Dr Swati Bawra, general secretary of the Santiniketan Ashramik Association. Nearly 50 to 60 alumni members are expected to perform at the event, including two guest artistes, namely Shurjo Bhattacharya, a famous Mumbai-based singer and Marathi classical singer Dr Uttara Chausalkar who will perform multilingual Tagore songs along with sitarist Pranay Bhattacharya. The third and final act includes a dance-drama presentation by the members, followed by Chitrangada music performed by Biplab Mondal and Subrata Mukherjee. On Today; 6 pm onwards At Marathi Sahitya Mandir, Plot 26, near Sacred Heart High school, Sector 6, Vashi. Call 9819123740 (for details and donor passes)Entry Rs 200, Rs 300 and Rs 500
05 July,2025 08:35 AM IST | Mumbai | Rhea VargheseADVERTISEMENT
