Timeless beauty Sanjana Sanghi on Zeenat Aman
Dil Bechara beauty Sanjana Sanghi puts Zeenat Aman in the spotlight this week, and for all the right reasons. “She is truly an enduring icon, and not just for her striking beauty. Zeenat Aman ji redefined what beauty and confidence mean for a modern woman, and she did it back in the 1970s, when the industry was largely defined by traditional portrayals of women. As a media student in college, we’ve literally written papers on how she changed the female gaze in Indian cinema.
Sanjana Sanghi
That unapologetic individuality and a bold cosmopolitan energy that audiences had rarely seen before — her breakthrough performance in Hare Rama Hare Krishna became an instant cultural phenomenon! What really makes her timeless is that her beauty, personality, and confidence are inseparable, and I think that is such an inspiration for the modern Indian woman.”
Laughter is the best medicine
Russell Peters is heading back to Mumbai on March 22 after an interminable intermission — and honestly, we’re all due for the dose. His Relax World Tour kicks off its seven-city India run in Delhi this Sunday.
Russell Peters
Chatting with me during his last visit, the comedy giant (no fat shaming intended!) was firm on not “toning it down.” He’s been at this since 1989 and refuses to “turn into a civilian” by self-filtering and sacrificing his superpower. To Russell, losing that edge is like Superman giving up his cape to be human: “You realise pretty quickly that it sucks,” he says.
For Mumbai audiences, this isn’t just another comedy show. It’s a chance to witness a master at work — wielding wit as effortlessly as ever and reminding us why humour, unfiltered and unapologetic, remains a superpower we all need.
Tiny table, big legacy
Thursday brought terrific tidings for two Mumbai eateries, with the announcement of Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants (51-100) for 2026. Papa’s in Bandra replaces chef Prateek Sadhu’s Naar at No. 66, while Gauri Devidayal and Jay Yousuf ’s The Table comes in at No. 73.
Sameer Seth, Hussain Shahzad and Yash Bhanage
Now while The Table remains one of our fast favourites, it is Papa’s poignant story that truly deserves attention. Named after the late chef Floyd Cardoz — affectionately addressed as Papa ji — this tiny 12-seater is a hidden gem, helmed by chef Hussain Shahzad. Founders Sameer Seth and Yash Bhanage continue Cardoz’s legacy here, with Sameer noting he often feels Floyd’s guiding hand at work.
“He’ll be sitting with a single malt somewhere, cheering us on for this,” says Sameer, understandably elated at the new honour. “Moments like this underscore that our work stands for something. The validation and recognition are incredible for the whole team, and we are truly grateful.”
Having earned a top accolade from Time magazine in 2025, Papa’s continues to rack up recognition, cementing its place as one of Mumbai’s culinary treasures. Fully booked through April already, this tiny treasure proves that Cardoz’s legacy — and Mumbai’s appetite for it — are very much alive.
Papa’s can preach
Since opening its doors in February 2024, this small suburban space has been a magnet for big names. Pop star Dua Lipa and actor Callum Turner are among those who have dined here, in addition to Alia Bhatt and Ranbir Kapoor, Anushka Sharma and Virat Kohli, and Indo-Canadian singer-rapper AP Dhillon.
Seventy splendid overs
One could scarcely have scripted a more felicitous coincidence — celebrating seventy splendid overs of Shashi Tharoor while the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup final provided the background commentary. And so it was on Sunday night that legal eagle Rohit Kochhar and wife, Sonali, hosted a party to bring in the birthday of our favourite former export to the United Nations, at their sprawling Chhatarpur mansion.
Shashi Tharoor
The capital’s most conspicuous citizens stepped out for cocktails and dinner with Tharoor: ambassadors from at least three EU countries including Lithuanian diplomat Diana Mickevičienė; MP Priyanka Chaturvedi and a handful of fellow politicians; Kathak queen Shovana Narayan; economist Prem Shankar Jha; OG influencer Bina Ramani; and journo Barkha Dutt. Not surprisingly, fellow lovers of language attended too — William Dalrymple and Chetan Bhagat amongst them.
Champagne was poured, the cake — a perfect Moët magnum replica — was cut, and a giant screen carried the cricket live. And while India’s World Cup triumph was a handsome birthday bonus, the night’s real headline was Tharoor’s mother being there to see him into his seventies. A blessing indeed.
