top of page


A Greener, More Beautiful Bandra: Inauguration of 'Legend Square' and 'Maa Our Blessing' Gardens
The vibrant suburb of Bandra in Mumbai has received a significant aesthetic and ecological upgrade with the inauguration of two newly developed public green spaces. The recent event marked the grand opening of the beautified Mehboob Studio – Legend Square Garden and the Pali Hill – Maa Our Blessing Garden Strip, transforming everyday urban areas into meaningful landmarks. Key Dignitaries and Collaborative Efforts The inauguration was spearheaded by Adv. Ashish Shelar, Cabinet
AltBollywood
Aug 102 min read


Ashish Shelar Meets K-Pop Star Aoora at Mumbai's Kala Academy
Maharashtra Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar met South Korean singer Aoora (Park Min-jun) at the P.L. Deshpande Maharashtra Kala Academy in Mumbai, celebrating the K-pop star's growing India connect.
Kenneth Hopkins
Jul 133 min read


Lights. Camera. Transformation: Hon'ble Shri Adv. Ashish Shelar Champions a New Chapter for Indian Cinema
The Indian film industry is on the cusp of a revolutionary transformation, driven by landmark initiatives from the Union Ministry of Information & Broadcasting. With a renewed focus on innovation, growth, and global excellence, these reforms are setting the stage for a brighter, more competitive future for Indian cinema. Two Historic Steps for Indian Cinema The Ministry recently announced two major decisions designed to bolster film production, distribution, and technological
Kenneth Hopkins
Jul 112 min read


"Solar in Full Bloom": Anupam Kher and MLA Adv. Shri Ashish Shelar Ji Unveil Sangeeta Babani’s Sustainable Art in Juhu
Renowned artist Sangeeta Babani has recently debuted her latest public art initiative, "Solar in Full Bloom," at the Juhu Garden junction in Mumbai. The project, created in partnership with the BMC's H-West Ward, was officially inaugurated by IT and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar and veteran actor Anupam Kher. The event was also attended by Ward 97 Corporator Hetal Gala and Avaada Group's Sindoor Mittal. Transforming the City into a Canvas Born in Spain, Babani is ce
Vishal waghela
Jun 202 min read


A Fusion of Cinema and Culture: Hon’ble Minister Adv. Ashish Shelar Ji Inspires at the 19th Mumbai International Film Festival
The 19th Mumbai International Film Festival (MIFF) 2026, a premier global event organized by the National Film Development Corporation (NFDC), opened to a grand celebration of cinematic excellence in Mumbai. Attending as a key leader and guest of honor, the Hon’ble Minister for Cultural Affairs and Information Technology, Adv. Ashish Shelar Ji, addressed the gathering of international filmmakers and industry experts. Advancing India’s Creative Economy In his address, he empha
AltBollywood
Jun 152 min read


Breaking: Mrunal Thakur Has Her Eyes Set on Playing Ahilyabai Holkar—And It’s The Perfect Match
As audiences honor the birth anniversary of the legendary Punyashlok Ahilyabai Devi Holkar today, a major casting scoop is quietly shifting the balance of power in Bollywood. Sources reveal that Mrunal Thakur is aggressively gunning to step into the royal footwear of the iconic Malwa queen for the newly announced ₹100-crore state-backed epic—and it might just be the most brilliant strategic move of the year. What Actually Happened The Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Devel
Vishal waghela
May 313 min read


Ashutosh Gowariker’s ₹100-Crore Ahilyabai Epic — Why Mrunal Thakur Wants the Crown
A ₹100-crore historical epic is usually the exclusive domain of massive private studios, but the government-backed Punyashlok Ahilyabai Devi Holkar feature just raised the stakes. With Ashutosh Gowariker now confirmed to direct and Mrunal Thakur openly pitching herself for the titular role, this is no longer just a state mandate it is a calculated industry takeover. If you track how massive budgets are usually allocated, you will realize this project is breaking every convent
Vishal waghela
May 313 min read


Neighbourhood Winter Festival 2025–26 Wrap: The Dire Straits Payoff & A Rare "W" for Bandra
Let’s cut the cynicism and look at the scoreboard. For 28 days, the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz belt wasn't just "busy", it was the epicentre of Mumbai’s cultural heartbeat. While other organisers play it safe with generic events, Hon. MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar took a massive swing. The result? A masterclass in community curation that culminated in a historic Dire Straits finale. This wasn't just a festival; it was a statement of intent. The Breakdown The Vision: A Month, Not a Mome

Alt Bollywood
Jan 123 min read


Amar Akbar Anthony at Neighbourhood Winter Festival: Dropping the Ultimate '70s Nostalgia Bomb Tomorrow Night
"Anhoni ko honi kar de..." If you didn't instinctively do a little shoulder dance reading that, you need this event more than anyone. Tomorrow night ( Friday, Jan 9 ), Hon. MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar and KCT Entertainment are turning Katra Garden into a time machine for the Neighbourhood Winter Festival . We are talking about the OG bromance Amitabh Bachchan, Vinod Khanna, and Rishi Kapoor—back on the big screen. Forget your Netflix queue; watching Anthony Gonsalves jump out o
Vishal waghela
Jan 82 min read


Neighbourhood Winter Festival Begins at Bandra Fort with Merlin & The All Stars: A Christmas Night That Belonged to the City
Mumbai rarely synchronises. Noise overlaps noise. Agendas collide. Even celebration usually arrives fragmented. Which is why the evening of December 18 at Bandra Fort felt almost unreal in its coherence. The opening night of the Neighbourhood Winter Festival did not attempt to dominate the city. It invited it to gather, to listen, and to participate. And at the centre of this gathering stood Merlin Dsouza . Not as a star demanding attention.But as a conductor shaping emotion
Kenneth Hopkins
Jan 75 min read


Bandra, Wake Up! Sandip Soparrkar & Shanthi Priya Are Bringing "Main Character Energy" to Carter Road TODAY!
Okay, stop doom-scrolling and listen up because your Tuesday night plans just got sorted. If you thought Carter Road was just for sunset walks and corn on the cob, you are about to be proven wrong. Tonight (Jan 6), the Neighbourhood Winter Festival (NWF) '25-'26 is dropping a cultural bomb that is going to live rent-free in our heads. We are talking about the dance drama "Pavitra Tulsi: A Tale of Faith and Fire." The legendary Sandip Soparrkar and the iconic 90s queen Shant
Vishal waghela
Jan 63 min read


Hon. Minister Ashish Shelar’s NWF Turns WCG into Nashville: Sheridan Brass & Mudroad Just Shut It Down!
Yeehaw, Mumbai! If you weren't at Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana (WCG) last night, you legitimately missed out on the most wholesome, high-energy hoedown of the year. The Neighbourhood Winter Festival (NWF) '25-'26 , presented by Hon. Minister Ashish Shelar , just proved that Santacruz has serious country soul. We are talking cowboy hats, boots, and a crowd that was absolutely ready to line dance the night away. It wasn't just a concert; it was a full-blown mood . As your offic
Vishal waghela
Jan 53 min read


How a Christmas Tree on Carter Road Became One of Mumbai’s Most Powerful Cultural Symbols
Bandra Wonderland began with a simple but audacious idea. In December 2023, Rahool N Kanal , founder of the I Love Mumbai Foundation , put up a Christmas tree at the Carter Road Amphitheatre on the Bandra promenade. What followed was not incremental growth or polite public interest. It became a cultural behemoth. Over the course of the event’s run, attendance numbers swelled to staggering proportions. People poured in not just from Bandra or Mumbai, but from across the city
Kenneth Hopkins
Jan 36 min read


Saddle Up, Mumbai! The Ultimate Country Music Night Hits the Neighbourhood Winter Festival
Dust off your boots and get ready for a night of rhythm and soul. The Neighbourhood Winter Festival '25–'26 is bringing a slice of country charm to the city with a spectacular evening dedicated to line dancing, live music, and community spirit. On Sunday, January 4th, 2026 , the Willingdon Catholic Gymkhana in Santacruz West will transform into a haven for country music lovers. The event promises an unforgettable experience, headlined by the sensational Sheridan Brass , per
Kenneth Hopkins
Jan 12 min read


Bandra Wonderland 2025 Day 2: The Carter Road Lineup That Will Fix Your Christmas FOMO
Okay, we need to talk about where you're spending Christmas night because if your answer isn't Carter Road, you’re doing it wrong. The timeline is already spiraling over the "Lights of Hope" installation, but Day 2 (Dec 25) is about to be a total cultural reset. While South Bombay is busy being overpriced, Bandra is giving us a full-blown festival lineup for free . The math is definitely mathing. If you don't show up, don't cry when your Instagram feed is flooded with neon li
Vishal waghela
Dec 25, 20253 min read


Neighbourhood Winter Festival’s Christmas Car Parade: How Ashish Shelar Ji & KCT Turned Bandra Streets into a Vintage Runway
If you woke up today and your Instagram feed isn't flooded with vintage convertibles and pop-up headlights, you were definitely at the wrong event last night. The Neighbourhood Winter Festival (NWF) just dropped its most aesthetic chapter yet. Hon. MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar and KCT Entertainment didn't just organise a car rally; they turned the streets from Carter Road to Bandstand into a moving museum. The energy was electric fairy lights, revving engines, and a crowd that l
Vishal waghela
Dec 23, 20253 min read


Christmas Car Parade at Neighbourhood Winter Festival: "Old Money" Aesthetics on Hill Road Tonight
It is Monday night. You have two options: cry about your unread emails or stand on Hill Road and watch a fleet of vintage beauties roll by like they own the place. Hon. MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar Ji and KCT Entertainment have decided that Bandra needs a "Main Character" moment to kick off the Christmas week. We are talking about the Christmas Car Parade starting tonight at 8:35 PM . This isn't just traffic; it’s an aesthetic. If you aren't posting a story of a classic Mercedes
Vishal waghela
Dec 22, 20252 min read


Namak Halaal at Neighbourhood Winter Festival: Sunday Night Plans Sorted "Movies in the Park"
"I can talk English, I can walk English, I can laugh English..." If you didn't read that in Amitabh Bachchan's voice, we can't be friends. Listen, Sunday nights are usually reserved for the "Sunday Scaries," but Hon. MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar and KCT Entertainment have decided to fix that. They are screening the 1982 classic Namak Halaal at the Bandra Fort Amphitheatre for FREE . We are talking about watching Big B, Smita Patil, and Shashi Kapoor on a massive screen with the
Vishal waghela
Dec 20, 20252 min read


True Blue Live at Bandra Fort: Why Your Friday Night Plans Just Got Officially Highjacked by Goa's Finest
If you thought the Neighbourhood Winter Festival (NWF) peaked yesterday, you are wrong. The timeline is spiraling again because Hon. MLA Adv. Ashish Shelar Ji and KCT Entertainment have decided that one banger night wasn't enough. Tonight (Friday, Dec 19), the Bandra Fort Amphitheatre is getting taken over by True Blue Goa's most chaotic-good live band. This isn't just a gig, it's a core chapter of the massive NWF saga. We are talking about the "Goa Vibe" arriving in Ban
Vishal waghela
Dec 19, 20253 min read


Merlin & The All Stars at Neighbourhood Winter Festival: The Definitive Guide to Hon. Ashish Ji Shelar’s "Open to All" Christmas Mega-Concert
If you are currently stressing about Christmas plans in Mumbai, stop immediately. The universeand by universe, I mean Hon. MLA Adv. Ashish Ji Shelar has aligned to drop the biggest cultural flex of the season. Tonight at the Neighbourhood Winter Festival , we aren't just getting a gig; we are getting a full-blown musical production titled "Merlin & The All Stars: It's Christmas Time." And the best part? It is Open to All . No guest lists, no "do you know who I am" drama at
Vishal waghela
Dec 18, 20254 min read
bottom of page



