King’s circle
A security guard takes a breather sitting amidst statues from the recently concluded Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Jayanti celebrations in Borivali West
Stage is yours, Naseer sahab
Naseeruddin Shah. FILE PIC
This diarist comes bearing good news for those disheartened by the recent slew of cancelled talks and lectures in the city. This Saturday, veteran actor Naseeruddin Shah will speak at the Bhimchaya Sanskrutik Kendra in Kalina as part of an aptly titled talk series, Lectures That Needed To Happen. The series is organised by citizen-led community Mumbai For Peace (MFP), which has earlier hosted silent protests and cultural events to promote harmony in the city. “We have always stood for freedom and peace. Naseeruddin Shah’s session will explore the intricacies of the Urdu language, and how words can spread love and counter hate,” said Sameer Wagle of MFP. We’ve learnt that the likes of Faiz Ahmed Faiz, Sahir Ludhianvi and Mirza Ghalib will be remembered during the two-hour session. Keen folks must note that the venue offers limited seating, and RSVP is strictly mandatory. To learn more about this series of refreshing talks amid uncertain times, log on to @mumbai4peace.
Acts of epic proportions
Jonathan Taikina Taylor and Mahesh Dattani
Sahitya Akademi Award winning playwright Mahesh Dattani is set to make a grand return to the Mumbai stage this month. The Monk & The Warrior, written by Dattani and directed by Brooklyn-based Jonathan Taikina Taylor, will trace the bold history of queerness in India. Put together by an international team including Australian, Chilean and American artistes, the play will make a short six-show run at the NCPA from April 2 to 5. “I wanted to explore the profound collision between the pursuit of spiritual self-realisation and the brutal reality of imperialism,” Dattani shared a sneak peek with us.
For the Ustad
(From left) Ustad Zakir Hussain during a performance at Hridayesh Festival, Vile Parle in 2015. FILE PIC/SACHIN KALBAG, Mehtab Ali Niazi. PIC COURTESY/@mehtabaliniazi on instagram, Kunal Kapoor and Sheldon D’Silva. PIC COURTESY/RAJ LALWANI
The hallowed stage of Prithvi Theatre may never see the likes of the late Ustad Zakir Hussain again, but the musician’s influence will loom large at this year’s edition of the theatre’s annual memorial concert on February 28. The annual concert, Rehnuma, performed on the birth anniversary of the theatre’s co-founder, Jennifer Kendal Kapoor, will also doff a hat to the tabla maestro who was born in the same month (February 8). Featuring Zubin Balaporia, Sheldon D’Silva, Mehtab Ali Niazi, and Shikhar Naad Qureshi among others, the performance is an acoustic adaptation of the showcase presented by Prithvi Theatre at the recent Lollapalooza India 2026. “Keeping in tune with Ustad Zakir Hussain’s dedication to music, collaboration and generosity and his support to young musicians, we are proud to present some of India’s finest young talent as they perform in celebration and pay tribute to the spirit of the legendary maestro and his everlasting legacy to India and the world,” trustee Kunal Kapoor told this diarist.
Drumming up a dream
Sanidhya Das at an earlier drum showcase. PIC COURTESY/SUBHASHISH DAS
We’ll need a drumroll for this one, please. One of the youngest musicians to take stage at Mumbai Drum Day this Friday is all of 11 years old. Sanidhya Das, the Bengaluru-based drumming prodigy, is all set to play alongside Gino Banks, Ojas Adhiya, Abbos Kosimov and others, years after he manifested it. “I first heard about Mumbai Drum Day three years ago when we met Gino sir for the first time. Ever since, performing there has become a dream for me and my family,” Das told this diarist. The wonder kid had earlier turned heads in the city at the 2024 edition of the Mahindra Blues Festival, where he played alongside OG rockers Indus Creed. “I’m excited to be back with a new set, including Cheating the Polygraph by Gavin Harrison, Sacrifice by Jay Postones, and The Summoning by Sleep Token. I’ve been practising intensely and I’m especially looking forward to adding my own improvisation on stage,” he revealed.
