​

Maidan by the sea

A group of youngsters play cricket near Worli Koliwada.

Mood over menu 

A view of the space at Kala Ghoda; (right) Super Crab Roll. Pics Courtesy/Portal

A new bistro and bar in Kala Ghoda, Portal, lets the day unfold without structure, moving easily from one moment to the next. Founded by Punam Singh, the space brings together dishes across cuisines, from the Super Crab Roll, to cocktails like the Hanky Panky, allowing choices to feel natural and unplanned. It reflects the idea of “claiming your piece of the day,” as Singh described it, encouraging a relaxed, personal dining experience.

Hanky Panky; (right) Punam Singh

Skimmers, winners

(Left) HRH Princess Anne and Dr Parveen  Shaikh. Pic Courtesy/Whitley fund for nature

Dr Parveen Shaikh of the Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS) was honoured with the Whitley Award 2026, often called the Green Oscars, for her work in protecting the endangered Indian Skimmer  spotted across the River Chambal. 

Speaking to us from London, where she was presented with the award on April 29, Shaikh told us, “Small successes can lead to real change, and some team members now proudly refer to the skimmers as ‘our birds.’”

The Indian Skimmer. Pics Courtesy/Viraj Athalye

For the state, on stage

A moment from the previous show. Pic Courtesy/@dannyypandit

Maharashtra Day celebrations took a lively turn at NCPA, where the Pratibimb Marathi Natya Utsav hosted, Normal Day with Danny Pandit. The show blended digital comedy with a live performance, drawing in an energetic crowd.

For Pandit, it was more than just another gig. “It wasn’t just another show — it was a moment of pride,” he said, reflecting on performing on Maharashtra Day. Speaking about his viral hit, he added the trendy song, “Zat Pat Pata Pat belongs to everyone now.”

He was joined by Atharva Ruke, a digital creator known for his comic sketches and relatable online content. Together, they brought sharp humour, playful chaos, and a strong Maharashtrian flavour to the stage.

Memoirs of a fauji brat  

Pic Courtesy/@iamnidhiesharma

From authoring Invictus: The Jungle that Made Me to Inside Edge, Nidhie Sharma (left), a filmmaker, author and now singer, has released her latest project, Daddy’s World, a military hip-hop single in Hinglish, on May 1. The track draws from her upbringing in a defence environment, blending rap with military sounds and rhythms that reflect a storytelling style shaped by her vivid lived experiences. 

Sharma said, “Hip-hop is my favourite genre. The bugle calls, trombones and military snares are something I grew up with. While there is a certain levity in my rap, the harsh realities of life in uniform remain present in the song.”