Elephant in the room
Students at the Chhatrapati Shivaji Vidyalaya in Dharavi marvel at Ely, a life-like mechanical baby elephant.
‘Without Zubin Mehta we wouldn’t be here’
With this glowing introductory tribute to honour the maestro, Mehroo Jeejeebhoy, founder-trustee, Mehli Mehta Music Foundation (MMMF), opened up the conversation that followed the launch of Encore, last weekend at Pundole’s in Ballard Estate. The book was released to commemorate three decades of the prestigious platform at the forefront of Western Classical music education among young learners. Jeejebhoy recalled the early days of the foundation, with Zubin Mehta, where he felt it was necessary to honour his father Mehli Mehta’s contribution to music in (then) Bombay.
(From left to right) Dr Farokh Udwadia. Mehroo Jeejeebhoy, Shabnam Minwalla, and Cyrus Guzder in conversation
The session, moderated by Cyrus Guzder, cultural patron, was heartwarming and insightful, and included thoughts from fellow panelists Dr Farokh Udwadia, senior physician and music aficionado, and Shabnam Minwalla, author of Encore. “He has always been a silent supporter, and opened many doors for us. Over 30 years we could do 40 concerts thanks to him, with finest orchestras from across the world,” Jeejeebhoy reminisced, adding, “I wish he could have been with us today. We are planning to celebrate his 90th birthday in January 2026.”
The MMMF Singing Tree Senior and Youth Choirs conducted by Rohini Basu, accompanied by Tavan Shah and Kalpesh Karde of the Udayachal High School. PICS COURTESY/MEHLI MEHTA MUSIC FOUNDATION
Earlier, memorable performances by the MMMF Singing Tree Senior and Youth Choirs, and The MMMF String Quartet, lilting from traditional to contemporary tunes, wowed all. The tagline in the invite alluded to plenty of ‘unofficial stories’. And it didn’t disappoint, as Jeejebhoy, Udwadia and Minwalla revealed many sidelights, courtesy Guzder’s gentle nudges.
Dr Udwadia and Mehroo Jeejeebhoy release the book, Encore
As the glorious evening rolled by, we learnt about how they lugged a piano up a marble staircase to an apartment in Banoo Mansions for rehearsals, and how Jeejeebhoy worked tirelessly with Mehta to bring the Israel Philharmonic Orchestra to India. We secretly wished for, what else, but an encore! But we aren’t complaining. The enriching evening was worthy of a standing ovation that aapro Zubin would have been very proud of.
Mumbai hop for Prydz
Eric Prydz. PIC COURTESY/WIKIMEDIA COMMONS
A BIG date on the calendar is staring back at electronic music enthusiasts in Mumbai. Popular Swedish DJ and record producer, Eric Prydz, is all set to take the stage for one night, making this an opportunity that diehard fans, as well as newly interested enthusiasts, will not want to miss. Prydz’s India tour of 2025 includes performances in Delhi today (October 4), at Indira Gandhi Indoor Stadium, and in Mumbai tomorrow (October 5), at Dome SVP Stadium. Notably, the artiste is performing in India after nearly a decade. He is famous for blending sharp visuals with progressive house sound in his performances, alongside unique production elements.
Ready for the Big MASH in Mumbai?
Philanthropist, art curator, and collector Shalini Passi was always a star in Delhi’s elite circles, but she became a loved name across Indian households with her affable personality on Netflix’s series Fabulous Lives vs Bollywood Wives. Passi, who hosts the fundraiser MASH Ball (in Delhi; it also featured in the series) in support of UNICEF India, is now hosting the second edition in Mumbai at the St Regis tomorrow. As an ode to the host city, Passi has chosen fashion in films as the theme for the event this year, a list many are trying to make it to.
Shalini Passi. Pic courtesy/@shalini.passi
The event will showcase design, fashion, and works by artists including the late icon FN Souza, artists Raghava KK and Narayan Biswas, and architect-designer Ashiesh Shah. “Fashion in cinema has been a powerful form of storytelling since the 1910s, and Mumbai has been at the heart of that visual language. For a UNICEF fundraiser, I wanted a theme that celebrates this city’s creative legacy while bringing people together for a meaningful cause,” Passi told this diarist.
She adds that curating this collection has been deeply personal. While it’s difficult to choose her favourites, she says, “Ann Carrington’s intricate metalwork is stunning; Michelle Poonawalla’s piece on water as a life force is deeply moving, especially for UNICEF’s mission. Madonna’s son Rocco Ritchie’s donated a self-portrait for Art Be A Part’s education programmes — that generosity defines the evening. Souza’s work always resonates; the way he transforms the human face into something raw and powerful is extraordinary. But the one closest to me is Biswas’ work from Palette Art Gallery.”
Shobhaa De, unplugged
Shobhaa De
Author and columnist Shobhaa De is soon to make the rounds amongst bibliophiles once again, this time with a book that will likely serve as a handy guide for many readers. The Sensual Self (Aleph Book Company) will be released on October 7. De’s latest work is intended to be a companion for its readers, chronicling advice for the various personal barriers and woes faced by many people, in particular, by women, within the confines of their personal lives. The book speaks of love, physical intimacy, self-acceptance, and self-exploration, encouraging women to unabashedly express themselves and their desires, regardless of age, covering themes such as heartbreak, love languages, and topics largely considered taboo.
