September Surprise
September Surprise In today’s absurd “cancel culture” age of agitation against works of art, it’s worth considering how the first film produced by the legendary Bombay Talkies studio got mired in controversy in September 1935….
Once upon a City
Meher Marfatia, author of the book, Once Upon a City, shares some of the stories she had collected while writing her column for Mid-Day.
Remembering Kamlabai Nimbkar
Remembering Kamlabai Nimbkar To think that an American Quaker woman crossed continents and started the first facility for occupational therapy in India – though some even say Asia. This happened at Parel’s KEM Hospital in…
Stag story
Stag story When you next click open this ubiquitous monsoon accessory, think of its pioneers. What history lies behind the household name of Stag Umbrellas? British records note an absence of rain umbrellas in India…
Rioting for puppy love
Rioting for puppy love Urban legends scattered throughout the needle-narrow alleys of Bhuleshwar tell tales of hidden gems. The city’s sole sun temple, a pair of cool cannons embedded vertical in the ground for horse…
It’s a Date!
It’s a Date! Last week, on May 20th, I wished a friend, sharing how her birth date held great childhood appeal for me. The film My Fair Lady’s release left my brother and me lisping…
First epidemic hero
First epidemic hero Breathing relief between virus waves, we should honour the Goan physician who discovered the bubonic plague that ravaged Bombay for two decades from its outbreak in 1896. Not only did Dr Acacio…
A scientist’s word
A scientist’s word The recent popularity of the serial Rocket Boys reminds us of a promise scrupulously kept. In a talk she delivered some years ago, oral historian Dr Indira Chowdhury, who is also the co-author…
Wooing, old Bombay-style
Wooing, old Bombay-style In the month of Valentine’s Day, here’s a throwback to how the mid-20th century city romanced. Wooing and wedding changed after Bombay’s inaugural swing show on September 15, 1948. The highlight was…
The other Gandhis
The other Gandhis The Mahatma’s upcoming death anniversary is time to remember two less well-known Gandhis who have left their public stamp on Bombay. Rowed with 19th-century buildings, Princess Street in Kalbadevi is officially sign-boarded…