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On July 30, 2025, a landmark event at the Taj Lands End, orchestrated by Ernst & Young, unveiled a transformative vision for Mumbai’s Film City and its economic development. This initiative, built upon years of meticulous data compilation regarding filming activities in Mumbai, aims to streamline processes, enhance infrastructure, and boost tourism, marking a new chapter for filmmakers and the city’s burgeoning entertainment sector.

A Collaborative Beginning: The Inaugural Event

The event commenced with a traditional lighting ceremony, symbolizing prosperity and new beginnings, followed by the presentation of exclusive coffee table books and handbook on Green Filming to chief guests and VIPs. These books chronicled Mumbai’s rich cinematic history and the ambitious future plans. Engaging audio-visual presentations underscored the critical role of the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) in this developmental journey, tracing the history of Film City’s growth and highlighting its immense potential to invigorate tourism. A central tenet of the proposed reforms is the creation of a seamless process for film producers, significantly simplifying the complex web of permissions and navigating local legal intricacies that often impede production timelines.

Strategic Engagements and Industry Insights

BMC has actively fostered an environment of open dialogue, engaging extensively with key stakeholders from the Mumbai Film City and Economic Development sectors. A distinguished panel, comprising prominent industry veterans and a dedicated think tank, has meticulously devised a comprehensive plan. This plan focuses on several critical areas: enhancing the existing infrastructure of Film City, redeveloping outdated facilities, and establishing robust, transparent policies designed to streamline filmmaking processes. Particular emphasis has been placed on simplifying BMC permissions required for utilizing public spaces and government infrastructure, which are vital for location-based shoots.

Seamless Permissions

Simplifying bureaucratic hurdles for filmmakers to secure necessary approvals for shoots.

Infrastructure Boost

Investing in state-of-the-art facilities and upgrading existing structures within Film City.

Tourism Enhancement

Leveraging Film City’s global appeal to attract more tourists and generate revenue.

Policy Reform

Developing clear, consistent guidelines for all aspects of film production and related activities.

Key Concerns and Future Directives

During the discussions, stakeholders representing a diverse spectrum of the media industry—including filmmakers, documentary producers, OTT platforms, large production houses, and advertising film producers—raised pertinent points for collective consideration. The dialogue extensively covered the pivotal roles of police and location managers, as well as local coordinators, who are instrumental in managing shoot requirements, vendor coordination, and crowd control through their local connections and expertise in securing permissions.

A significant point of discussion revolved around the urgent need for clear guidelines concerning temporary structures, such as studio setups or prefabricated auditoriums used for film displays. A notable and innovative suggestion proposed the establishment of a dedicated liaison between the government and film producers at actual shoot locations. This initiative could potentially create daily wage job opportunities for trained liaison officers in specific shooting areas, further bolstering local employment. Furthermore, architectural firms voiced critical concerns regarding structural modifications to buildings for film shoots, emphasizing that such alterations are often not temporary and entail significant, lasting changes, necessitating a more rigorous regulatory framework. This collaborative approach aims to position Mumbai as an even more attractive and efficient hub for global filmmaking.

The Chatak Monsoon Art Show 2025, inaugurated by senior artist Vittal Muppiddy, showcased a diverse collection of artworks from both established and emerging artists. This year’s event featured unique promotional strategies, including individual artist spotlights on Instagram one day before the show. The exhibition, held under the aegis of Shri Santosh Pednekar, presented a wide array of artistic expressions, ranging from portraits and mythological themes to sculptures, landscapes, cityscapes, wildlife, and abstract art. Senior officials and management from the Nehru Centre were also in attendance, highlighting the significance of this annual event in the art calendar.

The Chatak Monsoon Art Show 2025 commenced with an official inauguration led by senior artist Vittal Muppiddy from Hyderabad. The event was further graced by the presence of a distinguished group of senior officials from the Nehru Centre, who collectively lit the Samay, symbolizing the official opening of the exhibition.

Promoting New Talent and Art Visibility

A significant aspect of the Chatak Monsoon Art Show 2025 was its commitment to promoting new artists and enhancing the visibility of their work. This year, the organizers implemented a unique and effective strategy: each participating artist was individually promoted on Instagram just one day before the show’s opening.

This innovative pre-show promotion generated considerable buzz and anticipation, drawing a larger audience to discover the fresh perspectives and diverse talents on display. By actively showcasing emerging artists, the Chatak Monsoon Art Show continues to foster a dynamic and inclusive environment for artistic expression.

The Chatak Monsoon Art Show 2025 was a vibrant tapestry of artistic expressions, curated to offer something for every art enthusiast. The exhibition successfully brought together a wide variety of genres and styles, reflecting the rich diversity of contemporary Indian art.

Participating Artists :
Abhishek Acharya, Tarivi sagvekar, Advait Nadavdekar, Trupti Furla, May Patti, Umesh Ghadge, Akshay belkar, Ushita Jain, Amol Pawar, Vittal Muppidy, Bhavini Goiwala, Aarya Prabhukekiskar, Charlee Corrrela, AIR Raut Damodar, Madgaonkar Apoorwa Divyesh Bagdawala, Kadam Kailas, Dr. Met. Sawant Macias! Kubade Ganesh, Mhatre Nikl, Bane Golakha, Sahoo Natal, sangare Hemall Shah, Prakash Kurhe, Jeevan Kurnbhar, Prtyanshu mIthagarl, shor Nadavdekar, Ranieet Varma, Laxmkhand Ashiwale, Rajshri gaykwad, Madhav Joshl, Shamal Sutar, Madhusudan Khandekar, Shreyash Arekar, Mahal & Patti, Shruti Sagvekar, Meena PathVandana, Maurya Aarti, Patel Mona, Dalai Nishikant, Palande Arnrita Amodkar, Apama Mondal, Nitin Khtlare Panka) Chapele Ashwinl, Tatkar Poop Mhatre, Bhagyashree Joshi, Preethi Sethi, Devayant Kulkarni, Rahul Babar, Patel Rakesh Suryawanshi, ksai Datal Raman chary, lesal Khandwata, Mesh chopda, Madhusudhan Mahale, Rupesh patil, Mantshe Gupta, Sadhana Mhatre, Ms. Sharvart Vaidya Saheb Hare, Praveena Nookala, Shrikant Gawande, Shubhangi Samant, Nandukumar Mestry, Subhash Shegokar, Vandana Sokeit, Sureshkumar Nattar, Vrushali Mohlte.

Damodar Manohar Madgaonkar: The Elephant’s Barrier

Artist Damodar Manohar Madgaonkar explores the psychological barriers faced by elephants, drawing a parallel to their childhood experience of being tied with chains. He illustrates how this early conditioning can mentally restrict them even as adults, creating a perceived physical limitation. Ink and paper have modestly expressed the mindset of slavery.

Preeti Sethi: Mahabharata’s Epic Memories

Preeti Sethi uniquely represents moments and epic memories from the Mahabharata. With a background in various art institutes and current studies in metal sculptures, she boasts a valuable collection of 138 artifacts depicting key Mahabharata scenes. Her creative flow is nurtured by living in a serene environment in Lonavala with her family.

Nookala: Reviving Ancient Temples

Praveena Nookala presented two sculpture paintings inspired by ancient temples. Her work reflects her vision of reviving these historical sites. She engaged in discussions with Shri Milind Tawde, the in-charge of Nehru exhibitions and events, regarding her artistic endeavors.

Senior artist Vittal Muppiddy, who inaugurated the Chatak Monsoon Art Show, shared a personal anecdote about gifting a special painting to Shri Narendra Modi. This particular artwork was a seed collage, a unique medium through which Muppiddy expresses his profound love for farming and landscapes.

His passion for agriculture is evident in his artistic choice of using small seeds and grains to create intricate landscapes. This distinctive approach not only highlights his artistic skill but also his deep connection to nature and the agricultural world.

Adwait Kishore Nadavedkar: Art of Leisure

Artist Adwait Kishore Nadavedkar emphasizes the importance of leisure amidst a busy life, a theme beautifully captured in his artworks.

Nadavedkar showcased several cityscapes of Russia, illustrating urban environments with a sense of calm and introspection. One of his notable pieces features a girl engrossed in reading a book, symbolizing the quiet moments of leisure that can be found even in bustling settings.

Since 2017, Adwait Kishore Nadavedkar has been actively creating art, primarily focusing on portraits and still life. His works often invite viewers to reflect on the balance between daily routines and the essential need for personal time and relaxation.

This year’s show was meticulously planned under the guidance of Shri Santosh Pednekar, ensuring a diverse and engaging experience for all attendees. The presence of Nehru Centre’s senior management and officials underscored the institutional support and prominence of the annual art show, contributing to its success and visibility.

Bajaj Art Gallery, opens with a well-known artist, Shri Kamalkant, from Ujjain showcasing medieval sculptures and paintings that complement them. The artist says, “Stones helped him sculpt the stories or faces and shapes, rather making it by research or by inspiration.” They are very Jewish and some of these style face sculpture are also found in the Jewish Museum, similar to Italian Modigiliani long-face sculptures. Some of his friends who are architects and art critics have summarized his work.

Further, he has participated in many painting contests and has exhibited all across India. Experimenting with this kind of sculpture art has made Kamalkant find his niche and has gained notable testimonials from friends and patrons. If you are keen to know more about the Artist please visit the Bajaj Art Gallery.

Some of the summaries from Artist Kamalkant’s friend and patrons.

At the Bohra Expo 3 days of business and networking event for all who want to buy, sell or setup a business, an exhibition put up by Bohra Community. You can see all kinds of real estate and hardware, interior, confectionary and jewelery stalls. 

Quresh Basrai is an artist known for horses and landscapes; he has won more than 20 awards. Started when he was child a 4-year-old boy who was inspired by his mother. His mother used to make greeting cards and this made him have a creative interest in life and his career. Studied at Burhani College (Commerce), Christ Church School and later pursued his electrical engineering and studied interior design at College of Architecture in Mumbai. 

He mentions that he had a long gap of 34 years of painting and during Covid he used the downtime to review his artists skills and made lots of paintings. He only does oil on canvas, and mentions that his works have been appreciated by many among prominent artists and celebrities.

He has held group and solo shows in Poona, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Delhi, Dubai and London. His artworks depict more of nature and landscape since he loves nature and horses since they are noble of all animals and considered of high value or to bring good fortune. He has also added flowers and fish in his display or exhibition and considers horses as sellable art.  His logo also represents his mother and a horse.   

Apart from art, there were many interesting stalls mention some Karcher machines for cleaning, Wifi electric switches by Kapa, Dubai properties by Damac, Danube and many others. Galvanizing by Hilite, Cattle feed Taheri Enterprises, Hatimi Hills, Hatimi Jewelers, Monginis, Amazon and also had a few lectures to boost your business identity, values, networking and business strategy.

One can find everything under the sun at this Expo and there will many more of such in different cities. 

The exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery has display many artists this week and mostly you could find something new every time you visit. This time its nearing children’s day but there is no chacha Nehru Painting.  

Dinesh Nivalkar, exhibits his contemporary art with a fresh canvas of abstract art with a dotted Madhubani like paintings which sooth your eyes. The sthula sukshma presence of Sukshma is felt, but not seen, Sthula means something that is physically tangible. From the famous Tare Zameen Pe answer jo dikhta hain wo hota nahi hain aur jo hota hain who dikhta nahi hain. Is how we can feel something but can’t see it intangible and at the same time tangible.

He also explores recycling his art through plates and bowls they look very similar to an oriental ceramic art. He started his journey from a small college and to continue his study at J J School of Arts. He also added that his father was a trainer to police and army about armaments and use to draw guns. This added to knowing that these look like a target dot to be seen from far and how to hit the bullseye. Hence, he wants to express the freedom of thought and to express, similarity between material and soul world his work is priced from 50 k to 3 lakhs.

Sanjay Shelar exhibits a role of women in mythology Chitramala he has fine paintings of all goddesses on oil on canvas. Suggesting him to make a women revolution and also be a part of the Naari Sakhti Award given by the President of India. Many women organizations fail to communicate role of women in business, society or any walk of life. These paintings can depict all such communications as devotional or even as a woman of substance.

He also exhibits travel dairies, canon ball tree, childhood experiences, joy of playing with horse as toy and real. His work is on oil and canvas with bold brush strokes.

Artist Pradip Maitra explains his art of water color, moment captured during covid filing our loneliness with the surrounding objects or materialistic possessions seem irrelevant at the time. Many have regarded his work in medium and technical handling of the brush and paint, during the lockdown we all suffered and mainly the education system. The education system was adapted to an online process which made it difficult for juniors to conceive concepts and learning or experience the teaching method of a classroom.

During this time, we all were doing nothing and this feel the heart, the book in the library came out and I started reading books which were kept inside for years. All the precious possession and valuables seemed have turned irrelevant and the digital systems have killed one’s legacy of education system. His paintings showcase precious possessions like books, musical instruments etc.

Artist Suresh Muthukulam, from Kerala has display his art depicting village life along with Lord Krishna as the center. These are unique Murals of Oil on canvas and one on Paper. The paintings bright and have been meticulously detailed with lotus and Krishna. He adds that the painting are a series of Krishna in various roles and Murals of village lady of Kerala.  

A group of artists exhibited their diverse works uniquely lithographs and etching works. Abstract of windows and doors, nature paintings, metal sculptures and murals.

Artist Debamitra Chakraborty, finds her solace in the abstract of widows, doors, a durga or kali mata mandir with sindoor and old mansion wall cracks. She also mentions making abstract for different shows.

Artist Mohindar Kumar Mastana, has used bronze, brass, copper, aluminium, tin, wood to make these sculptures which are very like a chess piece some of them are take form a bottle shape and a few are made like a mesopotamian era copper sculptures. Few birds and a bird man or a feeder.

Artist Sukhwinder Singh, has won more than 20 awards for this painting as is a uniquely painted on a hand made paper. He has similarly painted nature at its best. He likes to express nature in its original form and prefers to use Hand Made paper for its texture and it can be scrubbed to form a layer of paper and paint which give a effect.

Rupali Shaw, a former Mrs. India, a Software Engineer worked in IT for 8 years before embracing motherhood, turned to a certified Health and Wellness Coach and a certified level 2 Yoga Instructor. I believe that by making lifestyle changes and inculcating Yoga into one’s life, lifestyle-related diseases such as Diabetes, thyroid, PCOD, Obesity etc. can be reversed.

She gives a few to do while designing a Yoga Center or a Yoga space in your building, office or gym. She mentioned there should be Buddha paintings or statues for an oriental feel, soothing music mostly instrumental, wooden flooring and a few matts. She does not know about Shilpa Shetty’s yoga training CDs and mentions having only one coach for a good yoga practice and to attain a professional level of yoga. She also mentioned that diabetic diets and how yoga can shape one’s career and life.

In most yoga centres one can see pergolas as a sacred place to practice. Pergolas are now available in all shapes and sizes and can be placed at any location namely, terraces, gardens, hostels, colleges, office compounds or even malls.

These pergolas can be customized as per the design needed or the dimensions specified. They can be closed with windows or with bamboo blinds to protect against sunshine or rain. These pergolas can now be designed in a modular format to make things better.

CWAB, the Construction World Awards for Architects and Builders. This year the CWAB was at the Sahara One International Hotel, located at Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport.

The registrations began at 5:30 pm and the award function started sharp at 6:30 pm. It was a delight to watch some of the prominent architects and builders at the awards. The awards night began with a video message by the Governor of Maharashtra who could not attend due to a visit of PM Narendra Modi. The governor congratulated all the participants and winners for the Construction World award with the 5 elements of nature Earth, Water, Fire, Air and Space as a theme.

Top-notch architects were present and awards were given to architects who have built these prestigious projects. A keynote by Municipal Commissioner on the development of the city and how the future of city planning should shape the way citizens commute, live, educate, work and spend time with their families.

At the end of the program, there was a dinner and cocktail for all art and architects to interact.

Written courtesy – Sharvaree Katdare and Moiz Mamoowala

Q1- Can you tell us a bit about your background and how you got started in both painting and textile art?

A1- I am a textile designer, painter and a qualified interior designer which adds value to my art on fabrics. My journey in painting and textile art began with a bold fusion of these materials and a desire to blend them with vogue.

Q2- What materials and techniques do you prefer to use in your textile art compared to your painting?

A2-I use a variety of mediums like oils and acrylics when I paint. For textiles, I prefer natural fabrics and conventional printing techniques, often bestowed with hand-painted elements.

Q3- How do you plan to connect your paintings with the world of fashion?

A3- I aim to twirl my paintings into textile designs, inventing rare prints for fashion. By mingling my imaginative vision with fabric design, I want to concoct couture that bouts my art and begets palpitations in fashion.

Q4- How did you balance family responsibilities with pursuing your art?

A4- After marrying, I undertook my onuses and upthrust two children while working on my art at night. Despite challenges, I secured admission to a prestigious college like Sir J. J. School of Art. I completed my B.F.A textile balancing my responsibilities diligently. In my journey, there were times when I ambled solo, at phases I found my husband by my side, walking hand in hand, offering his support.

Q5- How did selling your first painting impact you?

A5- My first painting was sold for Rs. 45,000 in 2012 was significant to boost my confidence, validate my efforts and motivate me to continue.

Q6- How do you see yourself as a global painter?

A6- I see myself as a global painter by blends diverse artistic influences while incorporating conspicuous Indian flavours into my work. This permutation acknowledges me to cartel with a wide scion and patron idiosyncratically to the unanimous art fraternity. Given an opportunity, I would like to cavalcade my art in numerous other countries.

Q7- How has studying Jainism affected your art?

A7- Jainism has deeply influenced my art by introducing me to its simplicity, non-violence, and intricate symbolism principles. These constituents have stimulated me to embrace leitmotifs of coherence and scrupulous tessellations into my oeuvre, elevating my artistic mien, cultural accretion and philosophical gravity. I have also drudged on other foci in the past like Swara, Kamasutra, Motherhood, Womanhood, and Navrasa apart from Jainism and will endure the work in my imminent new ideas.

Q8) As a painter what is your best genre for painting?

A8- I began reading and accepting the diverse styles of many painters, among the Indian painters, the paintings of Shri Raja Ravi Verma, K. K. Hebbar, A. A. Almelkar, charmed me a lot and painters outside India, like  Van Goh, Monet & Picasso etc. When I understood the folk art of India, I found myself in it. In my paintings, one can notice a new style I have originated with a foretaste of the myriad folk art of India.

A Bengali art inheritance from the Rabi Art Gallery, founded by Rabi Paul. Currently managed by Somnatha Paul, I am here with the man who has a collection of painting which are varied and have a long history to share. He shares his vision with Mr. Tagore, he has a strong personality and has done more than 5 – 6 shows a year. He chose Jehangir Art Gallery, since it has a ready market and a good reputation. He explains why it is important for today’s art collectors to ensure they get the correct audience.

From a village near Gulbarga, were R. Biradar Halvi and Nijalingappa B who have put up a show which consist of abstract and village scenes. They have a history of working with S M Pandit a renowned artist who had made many master pieces. The abstracts use a color theory and color palate which describes one’s mood, personality and the one that complements the ambience.

Artist Ravi Lole, has a unique concept of the 5 elements or the Pancha Tatva that bring life or form a life. These elements form a unique concept of life, the art showcases the life forms in the shape of Jal, Agni, Prithvi, Vayu and Akash these have been balance of human body and yoga.

Artist Amritraj, explains his vision as a Buddha in calmness, as Buddha’s Tirthankara and many moments in life of Buddha along with a few Ganesha paintings. He has put his efforts in puppets from Rajasthan and explains how he found a puppet lying distorted and he restored the same and then though of making these lovely paintings to help us recollect when we saw these puppets at circus’s or handloom exhibitions.

Artist Sunil Manthan explains his life story in a haystacks paintings promoting agriculture and the farmers prospective. Having emotions of his own grandfather as a farmer and will have the zeal to paint realistic haystacks, cows, bicycles and farming landscapes. Artist Sunil has done more then 12 shows all across India and now aims at making haystacks as a signature paintings.

Meeting Mr. Dilip Goradia, a music enthusiasts at Koregaon Park. He is a kind person who has led to his circle of musicians at the Flute Meditation at the Koregaon Park. It is on every Wednesday and Saturday, RK Bikramjit Singh flute master trains and practices with Mr. Dilip Goradia and Arunima.

A long story now unfolds of the star musician RK Bikramjit Singh, he hails for Manipur a land of sports. He was fond of football and played for several years, unfortunately having an injury in this leg which led how to learn music.  He was always fond of tabla and drums but destiny bought him to play the flute. His fame has reached to many of the theatre and film producers. Bikramjit explains how he had a stardom of 15 years and now he is at the yoga studio and has started the flute meditation which helps learn flute.

Mr. Dilip Goradia, a true fan and a pure disciple of Bikramjit, he met him in 2009 at a music concert and all the guests were given a CD and a wooden flute. He listened to those CD’s for many years until he finally met Bikramjit again and started to learn the flute. He has now joined the flute meditation and is also playing the flute along Bikramjit. This is a miracle and makes us believe in our goals.

Arunima is a vocalist from west Bengal, she has a great voice and is living the dream of being a musician at the flute meditations.  Bikramjit also has a degree in environment research and studies from Savitri Bai Phule University.