Mumbai Diary: A Weekend of Cultural and Community Highlights
Explore the vibrant cultural scene in Mumbai, from theatre and opera to community initiatives and local eateries. This weekend, the city offers a diverse array of events and activities.
MumbaiCultural EventsTheatreOperaCommunity FitnessReal Estate MumbaiAug 02, 2025
The aftermath of a wave throws up the illusion of snowfall at the Marine Drive promenade.
Manch matters in Prabhadevi
A moment from the rehearsal of All That Matters. Pic Courtesy/Sanhita Manch
Here’s an event for theatre enthusiasts to mark their calendars; Sanhita Manch, presented by Being Association returned to the stage with its seventh edition, where directors, performers, and playwrights shared the platform to discuss and celebrate literature and the art of playwriting. The festival, which began on August 1 at PL Deshpande Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, was inaugurated by Shanta Gokhale, celebrated theatre critic and writer, while renowned actors Seema Bhargava Pahwa and Jaideep Ahlawat graced the event as chief guest and special guest, respectively. Inspired by Gokhale’s works while learning drama, Rasika Agashe, director of Sanhita Manch, shared, “Shanta Gokhale’s Playwright at the Centre taught me that a playwright has to be at the centre. This year, we are premiering three bold, original plays that reflect the complexities of our times while pushing forward conversations around new writing, diverse voices, and the need for risk-taking in Indian theatre,” she summed up.
Baroque to Bombay in opera
Tobias Drewelius leads the members during a rehearsal. Pics Courtesy/Bombay Chamber Orchestra; Akaru Sumizawa
Even the most seasoned players of the Bombay Chamber Orchestra will be a tad nervous as they take stage for their 63rd year concert tomorrow. Soon to be 95 (August 9), founder Jini Dinshaw could be among the audience for the staging of ‘A Night At the Opera’. “The performance incorporates a variety of musical styles tracing from 18th Century Baroque music to the rise of the musicals,” shared conductor Tobias Drewelius. From the Bridal Chorus of Richard Wagner’s Lohengrin to Giuseppe Verdi’s Anvil Chorus, the orchestra will perform alongside The Cathedral Choir led by Mario Nazareth. Farah Ghadiali, soprano, who will lead the vocalists alongside Kersi Gazdar, shared, “There are some rare pieces including Ciel e Terra from Georg Handel’s Tamerlano, with harpsichord, and the famed drinking song, Brindisi, from Verdi’s La Traviata, to boot.” It promises to be a grand celebration.
Fitness goals from Murbad
Avinash Harad; (right) The home-made gym equipment. Pics Courtesy/Avinash Harad
If you have been putting off your workout, the villagers of Belpada might inspire you. The hamlet, located in the district of Murbad, is home to the tribe of Katkaris. “They are denoted as a Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group [PVTG] by the state government. However, due to their landless existence and migratory nature of work, they are vulnerable to alcoholism,” shared fellow farmer and community member, Avinash Harad. To prevent children falling prey to the habit, the villagers have decided to take their own measures. “We recently set up a mallakhamb space for the younger kids. But the older children also needed attention, so we decided to start a home gym,” shared Harad. In addition to used gym equipment, the community also turned to creative DIY for solutions. “A young man designed his own cement dumbbells and barbells. We even transformed a yoke from a bullock cart into a bench press,” he revealed. Readers looking to lend a hand can reach them at 7588726310.
Bagel blues on Pali Hill
A dated photograph of The Bagel Shop; (inset) Chimi Bagel Sandwich. Pic Courtesy/Instagram; File pic
The old familiars of Pali Hill went into a tizzy when whispers of The Bagel Shop closing doors started this week. Since 2016, the pet-friendly café has been part of the Pali Hill vibe, serving delightful bagels, while offering its space to artists. Thankfully, co-owner Lester Pereira assured that the café is not going anywhere as yet. “A new ownership is set to take over. We felt it was the right time to step back and let new ideas come in. The space might undergo some renovation before it returns,” he shared.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Sanhita Manch and when did the festival start?
Sanhita Manch is a theatre festival presented by Being Association. It started on August 1 at PL Deshpande Kala Academy, Ravindra Natya Mandir, Mumbai.
Who inaugurated the Sanhita Manch festival and what was the theme?
The festival was inaugurated by Shanta Gokhale, a celebrated theatre critic and writer. The theme focused on premiering three bold, original plays that reflect the complexities of our times.
What is the Bombay Chamber Orchestra's upcoming performance about?
The Bombay Chamber Orchestra is staging ‘A Night At the Opera’ on their 63rd year concert, incorporating a variety of musical styles from 18th Century Baroque music to the rise of musicals.
What community initiative is happening in Belpada, Murbad?
The villagers of Belpada, a hamlet in Murbad, have set up a mallakhamb space and a home gym to prevent children from falling prey to alcoholism and to promote fitness.
What is the status of The Bagel Shop on Pali Hill?
The Bagel Shop on Pali Hill is not closing. A new ownership is set to take over, and the space might undergo renovation before it reopens.
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