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.

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

The post Chai for Cancer Season 12 Launch appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

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.

We are happy to share that Midday Mumbai, the city’s leading news daily, featured Chai for Cancer in its latest coverage! 

As we gear up for the launch Adda of Season 12 on May 11, 2025, in Mumbai, we are grateful to Midday Mumbai for highlighting our cause!

Catch the full coverage here.

The post Chai for Cancer featured in Mid-Day appeared first on Chai for Cancer.

What began over a decade ago as a heartfelt appeal by Viji Venkatesh, Managing Trustee, Friends of Max, to her friends and family—to raise a cup of chai in support of cancer patients in need—has grown into a powerful movement. The campaign has struck a deep chord within the community, where dedicating a simple cup of chai to the cause of cancer awareness and support has become an annual gesture for many.

The essence of Chai for Cancer lies in its unwavering spirit—symbolized by the “Cup of Hope.” Over the years, countless supporters, friends, and extended networks have rallied around the initiative. They have made it their own, turning it into a meaningful tool of hope and dignity for families facing the challenges of cancer.

On Saturday, April 20th, the twelfth season of Chai for Cancer was ushered in with much warmth and celebration at an Adda hosted by Sindhushree Khullar, a dedicated host since the inception of Chai for Cancer itself. Opening her home once again, she welcomed guests for the official Curtain Raiser of Season 12, in collaboration with Friends of Max, Delhi City Chapter Leaders.

The evening was a vibrant confluence of friends, well-wishers and the dedicated Friends of Max City Chapter Leaders—all coming together in solidarity. The spirit of the evening, filled with love, laughter, and purpose truly embodied the spirit of an Adda.

A special note of gratitude goes to our long-standing radio partner, Red FM, for their continued support in amplifying the voice of Chai for Cancer and sharing its message with their wide-reaching audience.

As the campaign steps into its Twelfth Season, Chai for Cancer remains committed to its founding vision: offering hope and dignity to patients and their caregivers, and bringing common people from the society together—one cup at a time, for the cause.

#raiseyourcup #DrinkToACause

The post Season 12 Curtain Raiser Adda appeared first on Chai for Cancer.