Mumbai has added a playful twist to urban commuting with the launch of India’s first musical road on the Coastal Road stretch between Amarsons Garden and Breach Candy. Drivers travelling at around 60 kmph can hear ‘Jai Ho’ from Slumdog Millionaire as their vehicles pass over specially designed grooves embedded in the road — making this only the fifth such musical road globally, and turning a daily drive into a brief cultural experience.
O’ Romeo movie review: A heady cocktail of love, violence and vendetta
Vishal Bhardwaj returns to familiar territory with O’ Romeo, a hyper-stylised crime romance set in 1990s Mumbai, where love and revenge collide in bloody fashion. Starring Shahid Kapoor as a hitman who falls for a vengeful widow played by Triptii Dimri, the film blends underworld violence with aching obsession, rich visuals and Gulzar’s evocative lyrics — delivering a sprawling, melancholic saga that feels closer to Rangoon than Omkara, and cements Bhardwaj’s enduring fascination with passion in its darkest forms.
Warren Mendonsa on building an indie music career, AI’s impact and what’s next
Blues guitarist and Blackstratblues founder Warren Mendonsa speaks about the realities of sustaining an independent music career in India, the evolving role of AI in session work, and why festivals like the Mahindra Blues Festival remain crucial for nurturing new talent. Now based in New Zealand, Mendonsa reflects on audience-building outside Bollywood, offers candid advice for young musicians navigating contracts and tech, and hints at a new album expected before mid-2026 — along with the possibility of future reunions with Zero.
The premiumisation of eating well: When health becomes a status symbol
In urban India, “eating well” is no longer just about nourishment — it has become a lifestyle marker shaped by premium products, supplements and curated food choices. From collagen powders and probiotics to cold-pressed oils and imported superfoods, health is increasingly performed through consumption. The piece examines how this shift blurs the line between genuine nutrition and social signalling, reminding us that sustainable health still lies in simple, consistent eating habits rather than expensive labels.
People still queue at 4 am for Mysore silk, even at ₹2.5 lakh a sari
From pre-dawn queues outside KSIC showrooms to token systems limiting one sari per customer, Mysore silk
continues to defy modern retail logic. Treated more like an heirloom than a fashion purchase, these GI-tagged saris retain year-round demand despite rising gold prices and limited supply. With production constrained by skilled labour and strict quality controls, the enduring appeal of Mysore silk shows how tradition, scarcity and trust still drive consumer behaviour in a digital age.
Your next match might be an AI bot: McAfee flags surge in romance scams
A new McAfee report warns that online dating in India is increasingly being infiltrated by fake profiles, AI-driven chats and organised financial scams. From QR-code traps and cryptocurrency fraud to sextortion and cloned dating apps, the research shows how romance scams are becoming more sophisticated — with younger users particularly vulnerable. The findings reveal that many Indians have encountered AI-generated profiles, lost money to dating scams, and even developed emotional connections with chatbots, blurring the line between digital companionship and deception.
Dining out becomes cheaper as Delhi HC backs ban on mandatory service charge
Eating out in India just got a little lighter on the wallet after the Delhi High Court upheld rules banning restaurants from adding service charges by default. With the CCPA now stepping up enforcement and penalising outlets for unfair billing practices, diners can legally refuse mandatory service fees — while tipping remains voluntary. The ruling strengthens consumer rights and signals tighter scrutiny for restaurants that continue the practice.
Kashmir rail journey gets a scenic upgrade with Vistadome coach on Budgam–Katra route
Train travel in Kashmir is getting a visual upgrade with Northern Railway introducing a Vistadome coach on the Budgam–Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Katra special train. Featuring wide glass windows and a transparent roof, the coach offers panoramic views of mountains, valleys and tunnels along the route, aimed at boosting tourism while improving connectivity for local residents and pilgrims travelling to Katra.
Top 5 safest countries for solo women travellers in 2026
As solo travel continues to grow, a new Atlys ranking highlights the destinations where women feel safest and most likely to return. Based on travel volumes and repeat visits by female tourists, the list features Thailand at the top, followed by the UAE, Japan, Hong Kong and Sri Lanka — countries praised for low crime rates, strong transport systems, traveller-friendly infrastructure and a welcoming environment for independent women explorers.
Top 5 solo travel destinations in Asia: Safe, social and scenic picks
What was once seen as unconventional is now one of the biggest travel trends. An Atlys report identifies the Asian destinations that solo travellers are gravitating towards in 2026 — places that make it easy to get around, meet people and actually enjoy being alone. The rankings blend backpacker favourites with quieter cultural hubs, showing how solo travel in Asia is evolving beyond just budget and beaches.
