MUMBAI

A gharana is a tradition within Hindustani classical music, defined by its distinct style, technique, and interpretation. Each gharana is shaped by generations of musicians belonging to the same musical lineage.

The Bhendi Bazaar Gharana was founded in 1890 in Mumbai by Chhajju Khan, Nazir Khan, and Khadim Hussain Khan. Known for blending traditional vocal styles with improvisation, it emphasises emotional expression and lyrical clarity in khayal singing. Key features include the use of aakaar, precise intonation, strong breath control, madhyalaya tempo, and the Merukhand system for alaps. Notable exponents include Anjanibai Malpekar, Begum Akhtar, Manna Dey, Pankaj Udhas, and Lata Mangeshkar.

Mumbai has a long theatrical history dating back to the 19th century and has shaped modern Indian theater. Plays are staged in Hindi, Marathi, Urdu, and English, often focusing on social issues like gender, environment, and communal harmony. The city draws a wide audience and encourages interactive, immersive performances.

Dadar has long been a key theatre hub in Mumbai. Venues like Shivaji Mandir and Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre have supported Marathi theatre and helped develop local talent.

The Chhabildas Theatre Movement, initiated by educationist Gopal Narayan Akshikar in the early 20th century, laid a strong foundation for Marathi theater. From 1974 to 1992, it gained recognition for its experimental plays that challenged conventional narratives and theatrical forms, often incorporating modern themes and techniques. The movement emphasized realistic performances that engaged with contemporary social issues, frequently drawing inspiration from real-life situations and struggles. The location, aesthetics, and socio-economic character of the theater at Chhabildas firmly aligned it with progressive forces within urban middle-class Indian theater.

The Dharavi rap scene emerged in the early 2000s, shaped by local storytelling traditions and global hip-hop influences. As one of Asia’s largest slums, Dharavi’s vibrant community used rap to express lived experiences, with international artists and Indian hip-hop films sparking interest among local youth.

Street art in Mumbai began in the 1970s–80s with political graffiti and protest posters. By the 1990s, it expanded to include stencils and murals reflecting personal and cultural stories. In the 2000s, global influences and street art festivals helped the form grow through artist-community collaborations.

Kumbharwada is a neighborhood in Dharavi, renowned for its pottery community. Home to skilled artisans, known as ‘kumbhars’, this area produces a range of clay products, including traditional earthenware and decorative items. The craft has been passed down through generations.

Dharavi Market is a social enterprise that supports local artisans, especially in Dharavi’s leather and handcraft industries. Products like bags, belts, and jackets are sold under the brand ‘90 Feet Dharavi’ through the website Dharavimarket.com. The initiative also focuses on skill training, health, education, and sanitation for workers’ families. Founded by Megha Gupta, a former journalist, the project has been featured by major media outlets and highlighted in her 2019 TEDx Talk.

The Kala Ghoda Arts Festival, started in 1999 by the Kala Ghoda Association, is Asia’s largest street arts festival. Held every February in Mumbai, it runs for nine days and features visual arts, music, dance, theatre, literature, and film. Free and open to all, the festival supports local artists and attracts visitors from across India and beyond.

The Mumbai Film Festival, run by the Mumbai Academy of Moving Image (MAMI), began in 1997. It showcases global cinema and focuses on films from South Asia and its diaspora, making it a key platform for new talent and regional storytelling.

The Mumbai Urban Art Festival (MUAF) is an annual public art event organised by St+art India Foundation and Asian Paints. Held at sites like Sassoon Docks and AP Arthouse, it showcases urban art and invites public participation in creative spaces across the city.

Kala Ghoda in South Mumbai is a heritage district with museums, galleries, boutiques, and cafes. It attracts artists, designers, and visitors interested in architecture and culture.

In the 18th century, Baghdad-born philanthropist and businessman Albert Abdullah David Sassoon built a statue of King Edward VII (as the then Prince of Wales) sitting on a horse. The statue was made from black stone—hence the name ‘Kala Ghoda’ (meaning, ‘black horse’).

Established in 1952, Jehangir Art Gallery in South Mumbai is a key venue for contemporary Indian art. It hosts exhibitions, workshops, and talks by artists across mediums—painting, sculpture, ceramics, photography, and more—making art accessible to both experts and the public.

The National Centre for the Performing Arts (NCPA), Mumbai, was established in 1969 as South Asia’s first multi-venue cultural centre. It hosts music, dance, theatre, film, and literature events, and supports both traditional and contemporary work by Indian and international artists.

The NCPA was founded in 1969 by JRD Tata and Dr. Jamshed Bhabha to create a world-class performing arts centre. Early mentors included Satyajit Ray and Yehudi Menuhin. With recent technical upgrades, it now hosts major international productions, including full operas and ballets.

The Royal Opera House is one of India’s only surviving opera houses. It was inaugurated by King George V in 1911 and completed around 1912. Built in Baroque style, the design featured a combination of European and Indian detailing, with 26 rows of boxes behind the stalls ensuring the best views of the stage. The ceiling was specifically constructed to allow even those in the gallery to hear every word spoken by the performers. Notably, it was here that Gangavataran, the last and only film directed by Dadasaheb Phalke, often referred to as the "father of Indian cinema," was screened on August 6, 1937.

Initially hosting plays, dramas, and music concerts, the Royal Opera House later became a popular venue for Bollywood films in the 1970s and 80s. However, the rise of cable television in the 1990s led to a decline in cinema attendance, resulting in its closure in 1993. Restoration efforts began in 2008, with the exterior completed in 2011 and the full restoration finished in 2016; in 2017, it received the UNESCO Asia-Pacific Award for Cultural Heritage Conservation.

Founded in 1906, The Bombay Store is one of India’s oldest retail establishments, deeply rooted in the history of the Swadeshi movement during the freedom struggle. The phrase “Before Make In India, there was Bombay Store and there was Swadeshi” encapsulates its historical legacy of promoting Indian craftsmanship and artisanship. From its first location on Sir PM Road in Fort, Mumbai, the store emerged as a platform for local artisans. With nearly 120 years of history, The Bombay Store has adapted to modern retail trends while maintaining its commitment to Indian handicrafts and contemporary home décor. In 2008, it underwent rebranding to align with current market dynamics.

The Dr. Bhau Daji Lad Museum, established in 1857 and renamed in 1975, is Mumbai’s oldest museum. It showcases 19th-century fine and decorative arts. Since 2012, it has expanded to include a Special Project Space, Museum Café, Shop, and Education Centre. Recent additions like virtual tours, a children’s corner, and a classical music playlist make it a dynamic space for both heritage and community engagement.

Nissim Ezekiel is often regarded as the ‘Father of modern Indian English poetry’. A prominent poet, playwright, and critic, he blended traditional forms with contemporary themes, addressing issues of identity, urban life, and existentialism.

Jerry Pinto is a Mumbai-based writer, poet, and translator known for his work in English and Marathi literature. He is the author of Em and the Big Hoom (2012), a critically acclaimed novel that won the Windham-Campbell Prize and explores mental illness through a family’s story. Pinto has also translated several important Marathi works into English, including Dalit and feminist literature. He is a key figure in documenting Mumbai’s cultural life, contributing to anthologies, essays, and poetry that reflect the city’s complex identity. In addition to fiction and translation, he has written on cinema, particularly Bollywood, and remains a strong voice in contemporary Indian literature.

Vijay Tendulkar (1928–2008) was a leading Marathi playwright, screenwriter, and literary figure known for his bold and socially relevant work. His plays explored themes such as power, violence, patriarchy, and injustice, often challenging social norms and sparking debate.

Some of his most notable plays include Ghashiram Kotwal, Sakharam Binder, Shantata! Court Chalu Aahe, and Kanyadaan. His writing style combined realism with sharp political commentary, making him a central figure in modern Indian theatre. Tendulkar also contributed to Indian cinema, writing screenplays for films like Ardh Satya and Nishant. His work remains influential across languages and continues to shape Indian theatre and film.