Tanvi Chakravarty

Mumbai gets a bit of a breather this week. We've got a couple exciting events this week amongst another intense heatwave but really, this week is for lounging, staying indoors and consuming copious amounts of nimbu pani and tender coconut water.  The classical Indian events this week seem to get the memo as well. We've got a night of serene Sufi Qawwali at the Royal Opera House this weekend, Hindustani performance Sur and Saaz, as well as infamous playback singer Udit Narayan live in concert.  For those willing to forsake heatwave warnings for the love of the game, this week's Mumbai Indians vs Chennai Super Kings IPL cricket match may just be well worth the blazing sun. If you're looking for a laugh you're in luck - Kanan Gill returns to Mumbai with a new set and Comedy Land, a stacked 2-day all-star comedy lineup debuts this weekend at the NSCI Dome. 

April has always been a coveted month for me. A light at the end of the tunnel. It’s the last month before summer officially begins. Mango season is arriving. The torture that is Mumbai's May heat is yet to arrive. No rain, clear skies and lots of sunshine. And there's another reason why my disposition is annoyingly cheerful this month – just look at how many things there are to do! April kicks off with some incredibly cool art festivals, a very boozy cocktail festival (right up my alley) and a brand new event that has piqued my curiosity and should yours as well – Bombil Bassline, a 140bpm exclusive night featuring crazy cool local artists. Speaking of, Mumbai sure knows how to celebrate as an underground niche and mainstream international stage. Calvin Harris finally touches down in the city this month. The hype has been building for many months now. The same goes for Circoloco, which makes its India debut on the 19th.  We’ve also got some more refined and classical concerts at the NMACC Grand Theatre this month with Oscar nominated film composer and pianist Max Richter and Kathak-contemporary duo Aditi Mangaldas & Aakash Odedra. The Royal Opera House is also hosting a stirring night of Sufi music by the KM Sufi Ensemble. For old school rock lovers, legends Scorpions close out the month with their Mumbai show of the Coming Home Tour.  The other fun bit: IPL in full swing, with an exciting home match in our dearly beloved Wankhede Stadium! Lil Flea also returns this month fo

March is finally here, marking the arrival of a very Mumbai spring – aka sweltering heat and humidity. But the good news is that March somehow manages to outperform February, with an exciting lineup of events, plays, concerts, and lots and lots of music festivals.  It’s safe to say that after years of neglect, artists are finally recognising India as a major international stage. Tap into the electronic music scene, with gigs and acts like Keinemusik, and Anjunadeep to look forward to.  Apart from a ton of international artists performing this month, we also have some of India’s biggest names on tour. You can see Yo Yo Honey Singh, Sonu Nigam and Shreya Goshal live in Mumbai. March is also an ode to the growing rap and hip-hop culture in the city, with not one but two music festivals showcasing the country’s best rap and hip-hop acts.  If there’s a theme for March, it’s certainly enjoying the open air, drink in hand, and enjoying a live musical act. It’s an official end to 22-degree winters (freezing for Mumbaikars), and we’re kicking off a month less left until summer with a bang. Here’s everything exciting happening this March. 

February’s usually when the productivity panic starts to kick in. After all, it’s time for the post-January festive blues to come to an end. Never mind about the New Year resolutions that never made it past the 30-day trial run. Year after year, Mumbai runs on high-speed autopilot through January, what with Lollapalooza, but February is just as action-packed this year, and here’s everything worth checking out. It’s perhaps one of the best months for music: we have the Symphony Orchestra of India’s Spring 2026 season for western classical music lovers; John Mayer performing live; not one but TWO jazz festivals, among other really cool DJ sets, folk recitals, and of course, the Mahindra Blues Fest returning to Mumbai. Tickets are selling out faster than Labubus, but fear not if you don’t get ‘em – there’s plenty of other live music that Mumbai has on offer through the year. It’s also a big time for the artsy-fartsy. We’re kicking off the month with the Kala Ghoda Arts Festival from January 31 to February, followed by the annual All India Arts Exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery and exciting exhibits coming to NGMA, CSMVS and the Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum.Theatre’s alive and kicking: a slew of shows are scheduled, from the Primetime Theatre Company to Spoken Fest 2026. Stand-up comedy shows through the month, of course, and how could I mention stand-up without talking about the BIG TICKET ITEM! Gianmarco Soresi’s touring India for the first time! Another big event to top it all of

The CSMVS is Mumbai’s biggest, and arguably, the best museum. The grand, massive Indo-Saracenic building – built in 1922 and now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site – as impressive as what’s housed inside, with a unique blend of Indian, Persian and British architectural styles that echo the rest of Mumbai.  Visiting Mumbai and don’t have a plan or friends to catch up with? The museum boasts a mammoth collection of over 70,000 works, and therefore makes it my personal pick for the loiterers of the museum world. You could easily spend the better part of a day here pondering, sketching, or journaling.  Displays inside cover the broader history of the subcontinent through a largely archaeological lens: the terracotta structures of the ancient Harappan civilisation; Buddhist sculptures dating 1-500 CE showcasing early Chinese and Japanese society; impressively preserved sculptures dating to early Hindu dynasties. Other displays include Victorian paintings, rare textiles, and a Natural History gallery showcasing taxidermied birds and mammals. What’s more – this is a museum that one can keep returning to, because they also host a series of highly curated exhibitions throughout the year, mostly focused on explorations of Indian art, culture, identity and history through various mediums.  Time Out tip: Make sure to save time for a quick detour within the grounds to check out the Exhibition Gallery within the Children’s Museum, often showcasing acclaimed artist works. Also enclosed

In a shocking twist of fate, what was supposed to be one of the most anticipated nights in Mumbai for those in the electronic music scene turned out to be a major damp squib. Fans were left severely disappointed after the sudden announcement that Circoloco was cancelled, with the news coming just hours before the event was scheduled to take place at Jio World Garden on Sunday, April 19. The lineup included huge international artists like Mau P, Chris Stussy, Michel Bibi, and more – many had already flown into Mumbai only to learn that the event was cancelled. Fans travelling from all over India were also quick to take to social media to express their disappointment.  The announcement came late at night. At 2 am, in an Instagram post through District, the official event organisers dropped the news saying: 'In light of recent developments and updated regulatory protocols for large-scale outdoor events, we are unable to proceed, as the required permissions have not been granted. As organisers, we fully respect and must adhere to all government guidelines and decisions.'  So what really happened? Rumours are swirling. A popular one is that final alcohol licenses were revoked for the event, forcing organisers to shut down due to the significant losses they would face. When it comes to who takes responsibility for the cancellation, organisers heavily point to a lack of government compliance. However police officials made a statement suggesting otherwise, stating: 'We served three n

So you’ve impulsively booked your tickets for Circoloco Mumbai after hearing that the legendary Ibiza rave scene is making it to your city. Outfits have been planned months in advance, the pregame has been coordinated and everyone's excited. But you might've missed a couple details. Who’s actually playing, where and when to get there, what are some things that might get you in trouble, and more. Here’s everything you need to know before the event that might come in clutch!  Where and when?  The event is taking place on Sunday, April 19 at Jio World Garden, BKC. Yes this is an outdoor event taking place in peak afternoon sun so be sure to have your rave bro headscarves and fans handy. Free water stations are also available so you can stay hydrated throughout the evening. Food and beverage stalls are also available at the venue, but expect some hefty price tags.  Nearest railway station: Bandra (Western Line) and Kurla (Central and Harbour Line)Nearest metro station: Bandra Kurla ComplexNearest bus station: Bank of Baroda (BKC)Limited paid parking is available but public transport and taxi services are the best recommended way to get to the venue.  The event starts at 2pm and ends at 10pm. Gates open at 1:30 pm, which is the recommended arrival time so you can enter before the show starts. Expect a reasonable queue. Wristbands and a valid 18+ ID are required for entry so we recommend collecting them from the Box Office a day prior to avoid chaos. Re-entry is not permitted once

Americano's widely considered one of the best restaurants in the country. It’s notoriously hard to get a reservation – bookings need to be made up to a month in advance, and for good reason: their famous pizza topped almost all of 2025’s ‘Best of’ lists. And you'd best believe that top quality Italian food comes with a hefty price tag, so it’s no surprise that people are having trouble believing what Chef Alex Sanchez announced on the official Americano Instagram account:'On Wednesday, August 26, 2026, we’ll be opening our doors for a special day where you can order what you want and pay what you can. No catch. No gimmicks.'As unbelievable as it may seem to have an opportunity to feast on free food at one of the best restaurants in the country, the initiative comes in collaboration with restaurant Masala Y Maiz in Mexico City for the first ever global Pay What You Can Day. Americano's just one of many acclaimed restaurants across the world participating, across cities like Istanbul, Mexico, New Orleans, and more. Pay What You Can Day is a unique attempt to foster culinary community and accessibility. Speaking on why he wanted Americano to be a part of this movement, Chef Sanchez wrote, 'we believe restaurants can be spaces of care, not just commerce - where more people can gather, eat well and feel welcome.'August seems like a long way off, but if paid meals are booked up months in advance, it’s best you start mentally preparing for your place in the queue from now on!

Have you fallen in love with the art of crate digging, vinyl hunting, record collecting or whatever you want to call it? Or does the activity evoke heavy nostalgia, reminiscing of a once happy childhood now lost? Either way, you’re not the only one with cherished memories at a record store. Record stores are, in fact, so beloved that there's an entire day commemorating them. It started off in 2007 as a day celebrating the culture of the indie record store and its influence in driving the music scene. The concept's simple. Every April, ever since its conception, record stores across the world open their doors to music fans to listen, discover and talk about artists, music, records and more. Record Store day was first introduced to India in 2017 by one such store, The Revolver Club in Mumbai, and has remained dedicated to the cause ever since. Now, marking 10 years since the first edition of the celebration, as well as a resurgence in love for everything vinyl, Record Store Day (RSD) is going pan-India, with celebrations across six cities in the country for this special day at stores credited with bringing the magic of records back to India on Saturday, April 18. Announced via The Revolver Club’s official Instagram page, cities and stores include: Mumbai: The Revolver Club, LJ Road, MahimGoa: The Revolver Club, Fontainhas, Panjim,Bengaluru: Nerlu Cafe, Crescent Road, Gandhi Nagar Hyderabad: Katha Coffee, Green ValleyChennai: Canvas, Austin Nagar, Raja AnnamalaipuramDelhi: Fort

*]:pointer-events-auto R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="9cce5112-8cf7-4f70-a7c5-777a21e2d0d9" data-testid="conversation-turn-3" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto [content-visibility:auto] supports-[content-visibility:auto]:[contain-intrinsic-size:auto_100lvh] R6Vx5W_threadScrollVars scroll-mb-[calc(var(--scroll-root-safe-area-inset-bottom,0px)+var(--thread-response-height))] scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:a47350f1-f34b-4526-b590-cc1878e36095-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> The first non-air-conditioned train with an automatic door-closing system arrived at the Kurla car shed from Chennai on Monday, marking a significant step in ongoing efforts to improve commuter safety in Mumbai. The closed-door system is designed to reduce overcrowding and minimise the risks associated with travelling in open doorways. The 6-coach, vestibule-connected train can accommodate up to 5,600 passengers. It will now undergo trials and intensive safety testing before being opened to the public in about three months, likely around July 2026. The train also features wider 1,900 mm windows and improved seating, addressing long-standing concerns around ventilation in non-AC coaches with closed sliding

We all knew it was happening, but now it's official. Gorillaz fans have been waiting for official confirmation for upcoming tour dates in India following the release for their album The Mountain. After an Instagram comment saying 'Next up, India. Dates coming soon...' sent fans into a frenzy, details for tour dates have finally been posted on the Gorillaz and District's official Instagram accounts. Here's what we know so far.  As part of the 2027 The Mountain Tour, Gorillaz will debut in India with two shows in two cities. Bengaluru: January 23, 2027 at the District Arena @ TerraformMumbai: January 27, 2027 at Jio World Garden, BKC All tickets will be available only on the District app. General ticket sales go live on Saturday, April 18, 2pm. Psst... Mastercard cardholders have exclusive access to presale tickets from 1pm on April 13 until 1pm on the 18th. That's a whopping five days in advance! It was clear that an India Gorillaz tour was inevitable upon the release of The Mountain, which was heavily inspired by India, featuring many legendary artists like Asha Bhosle, Anoushka Shankar, Ajay Prasanna, Asha Puthli and more. The album itself was recorded in India across Mumbai, New Delhi, Jaipur, Rishikesh and Varanasi. The 15-track album features performances in five languages – English, Hindi, Arabic, Spanish and Yoruba. It’s rooted in the Gorillas’ creators’ experiences of travelling to India while processing loss. The virtual band, conceived by Blur frontman Damon Albarn,

In an exciting new collaboration, Bengaluru's beloved Malaysian restaurant Kopitiam Lah comes to Mumbai, in collaboration with Veronica's. What could be better? Two city cult favourites unite this weekend with one menu. Modeled after traditional Malaysian coffee shops or kopitiams, Kopitiam Lah is known for serving authentic Malaysian cuisine with dishes like kaya toast, roti bakar and nasi lemak. Veronica's has been in the spotlight for over two years for its award winning deli style sandwiches like pastrami sandos, smach burgers, melts and more.  The 'Get Baked' pop up combines the aromatic heat of authentic Malaysian flavours with the richness and edginess that Veronica's is known for. Expect unique sandwiches like an Ayam Goreng burger smothered in sambal, a kopi tiramis and a flaky chilli crab melt There are no reservations and lines are bound to be long so show up early and don't miss out!  Date: Saturday to Sunday, April 11 & 12  Timings: 8am-11pm  Address: Veronica's, R3G+JMX, 9, Waroda Rd, Beside Agna Square, Ranwar, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400050

*]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-(--header-height)" dir="auto" data-turn-id="d9b20c4f-32ab-49ec-987a-801e9b2547e3" data-testid="conversation-turn-3" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="user"> *]:pointer-events-auto scroll-mt-[calc(var(--header-height)+min(200px,max(70px,20svh)))]" dir="auto" data-turn-id="request-WEB:d072e664-9130-4971-bbe7-9bf615ce1695-1" data-testid="conversation-turn-4" data-scroll-anchor="false" data-turn="assistant"> The Mumbai Metro is quickly becoming one of the most effective modes of public transport in the city. Clean, fast and convenient, the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority has been steadily working to expand into the next phase of a transport system that has now been in the works for nearly two decades, with multiple lines opening in stages over the past few years. After multiple delays and postponing an opening that was initially slated for April 3, Maharashtra's Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is now set to inaugurate the latest additions: Lines 9 and 2B. The inauguration will see him travel across the four stations under Phase 1 of Metro Line 9, which links Dahisar East and Kashigaon over a distance of 4.97 km. Similarly, Line 2B connects Diamond Garden in Chembur to Mandale, covering five stations across 5.4 km – Diamond Garden, Shivaji Chowk, BSNL Metro, Mankhurd and Mandale – further extending the city’s east-west connectivity. These metro sections will officially open to the public post inauguration, marking a sign

After an Instagram announcement back in February, followed by much anticipation and an unfortunately timed LPS gas shortage, the highly popular Benne Dosa is briefly powering their brand new Chowpatty outlet up for visits at last, and we're sat. The announcement came via a new Instagram post saying, 'We are (finally) opening doors at Chowpatty for limited hours this weekend.' Here's everything you need to know about the soft launch.  Despite the gas shortage, the entire menu will be served until stock runs out. There are no reservations available so be sure to get there early – the hype for Benne is real!  Benne Dosa first became hugely popular after first opening in Bandra, known for serving Karnataka darshini style benne dosas, idlis, filter coffee and more. After lines quickly formed around the block for the tiny dosa corner in Bandra, Benne quickly expanded to Juhu and subsequently a Delhi location before finally crossing the sea link to Chowpatty in South Mumbai. It's truly a marvel how a simple Bengaluru style buttery dosa has burgeoned into a joint that has people waiting for hours. Benne has even become a celebrity favourite – the official account posted a cryptic photo of the Chowpatty staff with actors Deepika Padukone and Ranveer Singh, teasing a potential collaboration of some sort.   Further updates as to whether the joint will remain after the weekend will be revealed on Monday, March 30. Stay tuned! Timings: March 27-29, 3pm-11.30pm.Price: ₹200-₹400 per person

If you’ve ever had the pleasure of experiencing Argentinian food, chances are that you can't stop thinking about it. India is in serious want of the meat-forward, grill flame flavours of the cuisine, and we’re finally in luck. Hailing all the way from Argentina is Chef Javier Rodriguez, bringing an exclusive experience from his restaurant El Papagayo – widely considered one of the best in the world.  El Papagayo, located in a narrow repurposed alley in Córdoba, focuses on 12-course tasting menus crafted from local ingredients. Equally renowned is the wine, which is derived from Argentine terroir techniques.  Chef Rodriguez is bringing a taste of that experience to India for the first time, with a seven-course wine-paired tasting menu celebrating the flavours of Northern Argentina. The meal will be hosted in Mumbai and Delhi in April, and makes for a perfect date night or celebratory dinner. Tickets are available on District.  Price: ₹8,500 onwards  Mumbai Date: Wednesday, April 8, 8pm onwards Address: Romanos, JW Mariott Sahar, Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport Area, Vile Parle, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400099 Delhi Date: Saturday, April 11, 8pm onwards Address: Asset 10, Northern Access Rd, Aerocity, Hospitality District, Indira Gandhi International Airport, New Delhi, Delhi 110037

The international music festival NO ART, headlined by Dutch DJ ANOTR, was scheduled to make its India debut this Sunday, March 21, at Bayview Lawns in Mumbai. However, the event has now been postponed, with new dates announced earlier this week. The update, shared on March 17, pushes the festival to November 2026 – but there’s still some confusion around the exact date. While the official website lists November 25, ticketing platforms like District and the festival’s Instagram presence suggest November 15 instead. Details around the venue remain unclear as well. The Instagram handle @noartmusic currently lists the location as 'TBA', while ticketing platforms continue to show Bayview Lawns as the venue. There has been no official explanation for the postponement. However, the shift comes amid a series of disruptions to international acts planning shows in India. Kanye West recently postponed his Delhi show – part of his debut tour in India – citing 'the prevailing geopolitical situation and regional tensions'. There are also unconfirmed reports that Shakira may push her upcoming India tour to later this year. While multiple outlets have reported a delay, there has been no official confirmation so far, and tickets continue to be sold for the original April dates on platforms like District. For now, if you’re planning to catch an international act in India, it may be worth keeping an eye out for further updates – delays and reschedules appear to be increasingly likely.

All the Bandra boys and girls love and know Mokai Cafe. The Asian-inspired cafe quickly went viral on Instagram after opening in 2024 for their artisanal coffee and matcha (8 varieties), Japanese-inspired eggs, brunch and more. Mokai has also become a celebrity hotspot, especially when it comes to its marketing on Instagram. The account has multiple skits featuring cameos from celebrities and influencers like Shanaya Kapoor, Orry, Sanya Malhotra and more.  The cafe, however, closed its doors at their Chapel Road location on March 13, announcing on their Instagram that Mokai 2.0 reopens at their new location in Pali Hill on March 19. The new location promises to be bigger, better, and a more refined take on the cafe. Is this one going to be as Instagrammable as the previous? We're going to have to wait and see.  Address: Mokai, 600, 601, 602, Hill Crest Building, Ground floor, Ambedkar Road, Pali Naka, Pali Hill, Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra Price: ₹1,400 - ₹1,500 for two people Timings: TBA but usually daily, 8am-11.30pm