Hon. Minister Ashish Shelar Presents Neighbourhood Winter Festival ‘25

Okay, stop everything you are doing because the group chat is about to blow up. If you thought Mumbai winters were just about dodging smog and pretending to wear sweaters, think again. The Neighbourhood Winter Festival (NWF) '25-'26 is officially here, and the vibes? Absolute main character energy. This isn't just another event; it is a massive cultural gift to the city from Hon. Minister Ashish Shelar, the Minister of Cultural Affairs. He has turned the Bandra-Khar-Santacruz belt into the ultimate cultural playground from December 15 to January 11. And the best part? Entry is 100% FREE. In this economy?! We have no choice but to stan a leader who understands the assignment. But wait, there is more tea! Your favourite insider source (yes, us!) Altbollywood has officially joined the squad as the Online Prachaaran Partner. We are literally screaming. Let’s break down why this is the event of the year.

The Visionary: Hon. Ashish Shelar

Let’s take a moment to appreciate the man making this happen. Hon. Ashish Shelar isn't just throwing a party; he is building a legacy. His vision of "Building Community" is about bringing us all out of our digital silos and onto the streets to celebrate Art, Music, Sport, and Cinema together. He has championed this festival to ensure that every Mumbaikar—regardless of budget can experience world-class entertainment. From ensuring the safety protocols to curating a vibe that feels like a global festival right here in the suburbs, the Hon. Minister has pulled out all the stops. It’s rare to see this level of dedication to public joy, and honestly? We are here for it.

The Architects: KCT Entertainment

You don’t pull off a month-long festival with international bands and open-air cinemas without some serious heavy lifting, and that’s where KCT Entertainment comes in. These legends are the backbone of the festival. Conceptualized and managed by KCT since 2009, this agency is the definition of "Trust the Process." - Founder Shri Dereyk Talker. Together, they have scaled this up from a neighbourhood gig to a Mumbai icon. KCT specialises in large-format community events, blending logistical genius with creative flair. Whether it's the sound engineering for a rock concert or the cosy setup for a movie night, KCT ensures the experience is nothing short of premium.

Big News: Altbollywood is In The House!

Okay, personal announcement time! We are beyond excited to announce that Altbollywood is the official Online Prachaaran Partner for NWF '25-'26.

What does this mean for you? It means we are bridging the gap between the on-ground chaos and your feed. We are going to be your eyes and ears on the ground.

• Exclusive BTS: We’re taking you backstage with the artists.

• Real-Time Tea: Updates on which food stall has the best kebabs and where the parking is full.

• Celeb Spotting: If a star drops by, you’ll see it on our handle first.

We are taking the vibrancy of Mumbai’s culture and blasting it across the digital universe. So, if you can’t make it to a specific event (though, why wouldn't you?), just check our stories. We’ve got you covered. This partnership is huge for us, and we are ready to serve you all the content.

The Lineup: Cinema, Concerts & Chaos

1. Cinema Under the Stars

Tired of overpriced popcorn? Same. The ‘Movies in the Park’ series is living rent-free in our heads. Grab a blanket, sit on the grass, and vibe.

• Dec 21 (Sun): Namak Halaal at the Park (7:00 PM) – Big B energy.

• Dec 30 (Tue): Maza Navra Tujha Bayko at Asha B Garden (7:00 PM) – Marathi classic.

• Jan 9 (Fri): Amar Akbar Anthony at the Amphitheater (7:00 PM) – "My Name is Anthony Gonsalves!"
  

2. The Concerts (The Internet is Screaming)

• Dec 18: Christmas kickoff with Merlin & The All Stars (Amphitheater, 8 PM).

• Dec 24: Rafi Nite at Rang Sharda – A soulful tribute.

• Jan 6: Sandip Soparrkar presents the dance showcase ‘Pavitra Tulsi’ at Carter Road.

• Jan 11 (Grand Finale): Dire Straits Legacy at Bandra Gymkhana (8 PM). This is the big one. Cancel your weekend plans.

3. Food, Sports & Fun

• Food Festival: 3 Days of gluttony at Reclamation (Dec 26-28).

• Sports: Football at Supari Talao and Cricket at Danda.

• Fam Jam: Pets Day Out at Carter Road (Jan 5) and Little Chefs workshops.
  

Quick Look (TL;DR)

• Event: Neighbourhood Winter Festival (NWF) '25-'26

• Presented By: Hon. Minister Ashish Shelar

• Managed By: KCT Entertainment

• Digital Partner: Altbollywood (Us! )

• Dates: Dec 15, 2025 – Jan 11, 2026

• Entry: FREE (Open to all)

• Headliner: Dire Straits Legacy (Jan 11)

Fans Also Asked

1. Who is organizing the Neighbourhood Winter Festival 2025 with Ashish Shelar? The festival is organized by KCT Entertainment, led by Dereyk Talker. They have been managing the event since 2009, working closely with Hon. Minister Ashish Shelar to bring this vision to life.

2. Is the Ashish Shelar Neighbourhood Winter Festival free to attend? Yes! Hon. Ashish Shelar has ensured the entire festival—including the Dire Straits Legacy concert and movie screenings—is completely free for the public.

3. Where can I get live updates and BTS for the Bandra Winter Festival? Follow Altbollywood! As the official Online Prachaaran Partner, we are bringing you exclusive behind-the-scenes content, artist interviews, and live event updates directly to your feed.

4. What is the date for the Dire Straits Legacy concert in Mumbai? The rock legends will perform at the Grand Finale on January 11, 2026, at Bandra Gymkhana (8:00 PM). It's going to be historic!