The energetic and enthusiastic participation of the Academy, students, their parents and teacher stood as a testament to the love and respect they all have for you.

As the musical afternoon unfolded, we witnessed so much talent and clearly age and genre of music was no barrier.

The highlight of the show was of course, thedeepa grand finale by Oorja Amplified which was absolutely electrifying and brought everyone to their feet.

Once again we were reminded of the power of music and how it brings people together for a cause.

The post Mumbai, 22 Mar 2026 appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

In the form of an elegant Baithak titled Raaz-e-Ulfat , this unique Adda featured Anu sharing a poignant tale of love and compassion in the face of a sudden cancer diagnosis beautifully punctuated with ghazals performed by Delhi’s well known Lawyer – Singer, Meghna Mital. Accompanying Meghna on the stage were two talented young musicians, Purav on the harmonium and Dhaivat Mehta on the tabla.

Listening to the magic they created one would never have believed the three of them were on stage together for the first time.

A special thank you to Anu’s circle of friends, well-wishers and peers from the Andheri–Versova Western Suburban neighborhood. Their energy and commitment truly matched hers. Every guest stayed on through the performance and then over delicious chai, samosa and kachori continued the heart felt interactions. Needless to say, everyone contributed generously to the cause.

A special shoutout to our Radio Partners Red FM and their RJ Jiya for being present and helping to amplify our voice.

The evening was about a deeply felt story set to haunting music, but most importantly it was about hope, courage, and that rare sense of community that a Chai for Cancer Adda always managed to bring together.

Here’s to more power to our host Anu and to this special Chai for Cancer community, which is growing stronger with each passing year.

Thank you Friends of Max Trustees and Mumbai Volunteers who added their energies to the evening.

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The Chai for Cancer Season 12 Launch Adda on #chaiforcancerday witnessed much warmth, purpose, and heartfelt camaraderie happening on the morning of Sunday, 11th May, at the iconic Taj Mahal Tea House in Mumbai.

The Adda was hosted by Viji Venkatesh, whose brainchild this unique awareness and fundraising campaign is, along with her co Trustees Friends of Max and The Max Foundation team from Mumbai.

An annual tradition now, the new Season Launch Adda is usually hosted by Viji from her home in Thane, setting the tone for the year ahead. But with home renovations underway, the spirit of the Adda simply moved venues—finding a fitting home in the warm, welcoming ambience of the Taj Mahal Tea House in Bandra, Mumbai.

What did not change—and never does—was the presence of her ever loyal band of friends from all walks of life: friends from the world of art and news media, from her film fraternity, college alumni , co-professionals, volunteers, patients, caregivers, and long standing supporters, all united by a shared commitment to the cause.

More than 70 friends gathered, each raising a cup to mark the beginning of another season of giving, sharing, and #standingtall beside those living with cancer.

For over a decade now, #thecupofhope has symbolized an unwavering effort to raise awareness of cancer and funds for those living with the condition and on lifelong treatment. This year was no different. The Adda echoed with the sounds of laughter, shared stories, smiles and countless cups of chai raised—all for bringing #hopeanddignity to the patients and their families.

Echoing Viji’s words, “we are still counting the cups raised. Thank you to everyone who’s owned this cause!”

The Adda may have changed address this year, but its heart remained unchanged.

Looking forward another season of #raiseyourcup #DrinkToACause

The post Mumbai, May 11th 2025 appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

As we bid farewell to 2024, Chai for Cancer wrapped up the year with an unforgettable evening at Tamboo on December 29.

This special Adda was hosted by the multi-talented and ever gracious Anu Singh Choudhary, supported by her family and in collaboration with Dopamine (Both Tamboo and Dopamine are new-age creators and writers-first content studios, with a promise to build a community that lives, breathes and creates stories).

The evening saw a gathering of writers, directors, singers and actors from the Anu Singh Choudhary’s vibrant film fraternity joined in by Dr Anuj Kumar , Radiation Oncologist from ACTREC, Tata Memorial Centre, Kharghar, Navi Mumbai and Friends of Max team.

In true Chai for Cancer spirit, the Adda brimmed with love, laughter and purpose. Over steaming cups of chai and delightful snacks, hearts opened, stories flowed and conversations about cancer and courage unfolded.

A beautiful blend of music, poetry and shared experiences, a testament to the power of community and connection, as together we raised many cups in solidarity with patients living with cancer!

Here’s to carrying this energy into 2025! 

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Last evening was truly special as Chai for Cancer (CFC) found itself in a perfect performing arts setting for storytelling. Hosted by Radhika Radia, co-founder of Mythopia, in her stunning Mumbai apartment overlooking the Arabian Sea. 

Against the breathtaking backdrop of the sea, guests were treated to a powerful and captivating performance of Karna Bhasa by Prasad Bhide. This rendition of Karna—the legendary Daanveer celebrated for his unparalleled generosity—resonates deeply with our mission of raising awareness and support for those living with cancer.

Over cups of chai, we shared stories and celebrated culture, reflecting on the profound strength of community and the transformative power of generosity. Together, we were reminded how acts of giving can bring hope and dignity to patients and their families—just as Karna exemplified through his life.

A heartfelt thank you to everyone who joined us, shared their time, and contributed to this meaningful cause, one cup of chai at a time. 

Photos to relive the magic of this evening!

The post Mumbai, 24th November 2024 appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

A Proud Moment for Chai for Cancer!

We’re honoured to have been a part of the National Cancer Grid (NCG) Annual Meeting on November 7th and 8th at Tata Memorial Hospital, Mumbai.

A heartfelt thank you to the NCG team led by Dr C S Pramesh and Dr Manju Sengar, our treating physicians, healthcare professionals and many patient leaders/advocates who attended, for extending their support to the mission of Chai for Cancer to raise awareness and funds for patients and families affected by cancer.

The NCG Annual Meeting brings together leading experts and doctors from NCG-affiliated hospitals across India, fostering collaboration and sharing insights to improve cancer care nationwide.

So Grateful for this opportunity!

The post Mumbai, 7 & 8 November 2024 appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

The love, pride, and affection they all have for Pooja and her work with The Max Foundation, shone brightly throughout the evening. What made it even more special was seeing everyone’s eagerness to be involved. After a long workday, they spent their Friday evening commuting to Mulund, listening to cancer conversations, the many challenges faced by cancer patients and families, and to know how they could make a real difference in the lives of those living with CML and GIST who are on lifelong treatment.

The evening ended on a high note, with generous donations and heartfelt conversations, leaving us all with a feeling of warmth and gratitude that we’ll remember for a long time. Joined by her Max Foundation colleagues, Pooja made sure to make the Adda truly special.

Thank you Pooja, Viraj!

The post Mumbai, 25th October 2024 appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

On 14 October 2024, the Chai for Cancer Adda at “Atha 2024”, brought together empowering conversations, inspiring stories, and expert insights over a fundraising exhibition of art created by patients living with cancer. Exclusive Artwork Display of Ganesha art pieces done by FOM City Chapter Leaders, patients, and families, on display at Bajaj Art Gallery, Mumbai from 13-20 Oct 2024.

Some highlights from the evening:

– Talk on Cancer by experts Pat Garcia-Gonzalez, Chief Executive Officer, The Max Foundation, Viji Venkatesh, Dr Bharat Bhosale Precision Oncologist at Bombay Hospital Mumbai, Sir H N Reliance Foundation, Hospital Jaslok Hospital and Research Centre and SL Raheja Fortis Hospital Mahim, Mumbai and Dr. Prem Narasimhan, Chief Consultant Geriatric Medicine at Jaslok Hospital and Research centre & Founding member of Asian Geriatric and Oncology Society.

– Patient Testimonials focusing on Art’s transformative power in their respective cancer journeys

The Adda was a success and for this we remain grateful to:

– Pallavi Sabnis, Colaba Arts and Art for Humanity for partnering and hosting Chai for Cancer Adda to spread awareness and raise funds for patients and their families living with cancer, Leading Physicians for their time and expertise , Pat, Pallavi, Pinakin, and Darayus for sharing their personal and inspiring stories, our Radio Partner Red FM 93.5 for amplifying our voice to thousands, Dedicated and generous supporters for their continuing patronage, The Max Foundation team for standing by Friends of Max shoulder to shoulder, Friends of Max Trustees, City Chapter Leaders and volunteers without whom this could not have been possible

The post Mumbai, 14th October 2024 appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

On October 2, 2024, we gathered in Mumbai for a heartwarming Chai for Cancer adda hosted by Latha, Sunder Krishnan (Friends of Max Treasurer & Trustee) and Friends of Max

We are immensely grateful to Latha, Sunder and Shweta Sunderkrishnan for a wonderful evening. With generous support from the Rotary Club of Ghatkopar West, over 60 of their friends, family members, and Rotarians came together to raise funds for patients and their families living with Chronic Myeloid Leukemia (CML).

The Adda showcased the strength and compassion of our community, welcoming hosts, a dedicated team from Rotary Club Ghatkopar West, Friends of Max and its Trustees and City Chapter Leaders, and the wonderful folks from The Max Foundation(Mumbai), all united in the mission to make a difference.

Over hot cups of chai and tasty snacks, amidst meaningful conversations about CML and the needs of cancer patients, the evening was brimming with energy. Add to this the joy and laughter with karaoke in full swing. The infectious energy brought everyone together, making the Adda truly memorable.

A heartfelt thank you to Latha, Sunder and Shweta Sunderkrishnan for being the perfect hosts and to everyone who attended and contributed!

The post Mumbai, 2nd October, 2024 appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

It was nice to see many who chose not to work from home on the day but come to the office instead to attend. 

Together we raised 140 cups of chai- all proceeds of which will go towards covering the patients’ diagnostic & travel costs, supporting their children’s education and other seemingly small but unmet needs.

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