City reimagined
Bombay, now Mumbai, remains one of India's most enigmatic cities—a metropolis where history converges with mythology and underworld legends intertwine with Bollywood dreams, where the vast Arabian Sea meets an ever-evolving skyline that speaks of relentless ambition and power games. This fascinating complexity was beautifully illuminated during a captivating discourse on the history and transformation of our maximum city at the Imperial club this week hosted by lovely friend Nayantara Thacker.
The evening’s highpoint (and maybe my weeks too- seeing that I’ve spent it in Breach Candy Hospital) was Bombay historian Bharat Gothoskar. His colourful insights into the city's historic evolution perfectly complemented by artist Nitin Barchha's three d installation artwork "Material Immaterial." Together, they wove a compelling narrative that had the entire audience intrigued.
Gothoskar's masterful storytelling traced the city's extraordinary metamorphosis from seven disparate islands inhabited by Koli fishing communities to India's undisputed commercial capital. We enjoyed the painted vivid pictures of how the Portuguese first arrived in the 16th century, followed by the British who received these islands as part of Catherine of Braganza's dowry to King Charles II in 1661. The transformation meant that malaria-infested marshlands evolved through ambitious land reclamation projects connecting the islands into one cohesive landmass.
The historian's account of the city's expansion was particularly fascinating spoke of how the cotton mills of the 19th century drew workers from across the subcontinent, creating the cosmopolitan character that defines Mumbai even today. The arrival of the railways, the development of the textile industry, and later the establishment of Bollywood added layers to the city's complex identity and development created distinct neighborhoods with their own character—from the old-world charm of Fort and Colaba to the bustling energy of Dadar and Matunga. Guests were awed by revelations about the city's relentless expansion- driven by dreams, ambition, and the promise of opportunity.
Patriotic flavour
However, the week's most exhilarating moment came with the triumphant return of #OTC—Off the Cuff with Shekhar Gupta. This brilliant editor, for whom I've had the privilege of writing over the years, remains one of India's most authentic journalistic voices through ThePrint as Editor-in-Chief with characteristic aplomb.
His monthly candid conversations with socially relevant personalities have become legendary, featuring his signature style of pleasant yet incisive questioning. These sessions often culminate in exclusive dinners that bring together the team, gracious hosts, and various luminaries—gatherings to which I feel genuinely privileged to be invited for these extended #OTC experiences.
This particular evening's guest was former Air Force Chief Vivek Chaudhari, who delivered a masterful exposition on Operation Sindoor's precision and strategic intensity, along with its profound implications for the IAF's future trajectory. The audience was electrified, peppering him with questions that reflected India's collective desire to understand the intricate details of this historic operation.
Operation Sindoor, launched on May 7, 2025, was a coordinated precision strike operation executed through the joint efforts of the Army, Navy, and Air Force, targeting nine terrorist facilities across Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu and Kashmir. The operation lasted precisely 25 minutes, demonstrating the surgical efficiency that has become the hallmark of India's new military doctrine.
The operation was India's calculated response to the April 22nd terror attack in Pahalgam, and represented what military strategists have termed "a calibrated use of force, intended to signal resolve, degrade terrorist infrastructure, and demonstrate capability—without crossing the line into broader war." The strikes used precision weapons to target terrorist camps that served as recruitment centers, launchpads, and indoctrination centers, housing weapons and training facilities.
You could hear the unmistakable notes of pride and joy in the audience's voices as they heard what the distinguished ex-Air Chief—affectionately known as "Chow"—described as the mission's "pinpoint accuracy and ferocity." He elaborated on how this operation marked a significant evolution in India's strategic response toolkit, showcasing the IAF's enhanced technological capabilities and operational readiness.
The atmosphere at Quorum was positively buoyant, charged with national pride. Vivek Narian, the visionary founder and driving force behind Quorum, was present throughout the proceedings and later hosted the dinner with remarkable finesse. The seven-course extravagant meal was a testament to why Quorum has established itself as one of the most successful clubs, where community, culture, and collaboration seamlessly intersect to create what they aptly call "The Third Dimension"—a space that celebrates the universality of voices and ideas.
Even the artwork adorning the club's walls reflects this edgy, vibrant spirit that permeates both the ambiance and the exceptional cuisine. I'm absolutely convinced about joining this remarkable institution.
The evening reached its crescendo when Chow received thunderous applause for his declaration that the IAF had demonstrated pinpoint accuracy and ferocity, effectively paralyzing the adversary while sending an unmistakable message of strength. His words, "We hit them where it hurts the most," resonated powerfully throughout the room, encapsulating the precision and resolve that defined this landmark military operation.
Soulful celebrations
I am genuinely not inclined toward group dynamics—I'm more of a one-on-one, intimate conversation type of person. However, this particular circle has become as comforting and effortless as slipping in a well-worn, favorite piece of clothing. Our gatherings happen almost religiously, once a month at minimum, and sometimes more frequently.
Through all of life's inevitable permutations, combinations, ups and downs, there exists a profound consistency and warmth radiating from each member of this cherished group primarily due to the auspices of Zarine Khan. This month, we celebrated two of my favorites—Alka Chaturvedi and Pooja Nankani—on their birthdays.
The timing was particularly challenging for me, coming right in the middle of a hospital vigil due to my mother's viral infection. This celebration was especially comforting during what was otherwise a challenging period. My mother, fondly known as Bluebelle, is thankfully on the mend, and the birthday celebration proved to be a wonderful success with all our regulars in enthusiastic attendance singing up a storm and enjoying the sugar free no flour almond cake I’d brought!
Through life's inevitable journeys, there are occasionally some crossed wires and misunderstandings, but fundamentally, we remain one beautifully bonded, fiercely loyal group.
(Write to Nisha JamVwal at nishjamwal@gmail.com)
