All that is trending in the art, entertainment, and culinary world

From captivating art exhibitions and blockbuster films to culinary innovations, the world of creativity is brimming with fresh experiences. Here’s a roundup of what’s making waves across art, entertainment, and gastronomy right now.

ALL THE WORLD'S A STAGE!

The 15th International Theatre Festival will celebrate the resilience of cultures from February 23 to March 2 in Thrissur, Kerala. Fifteen riveting plays from Russia, Hungary, Egypt, Iraq, Sri Lanka, and India will be showcased at the festival. The final line-up—five international and 10 Indian plays—was selected from among 107 foreign and 351 Indian submissions. Preceding the festival, the State Amateur Theatre  Competition will set the stage at Kerala Sangeetha Nataka Akademi from February 16 to February 21. Curtain-up, the world is watching!

ELEVATED FINE DINING

Bastian, a celebrity-favourite restaurant, is now open in Pune’s Koregaon Park. This 220-seater restaurant boasts a Cappadocia-inspired entrance, rustic cobblestone walls, and earthy, Instagrammable interiors. It serves a menu of decadent cocktails and gourmet delights, including crab roll, lobster bomb, Mongolian lamb, and steamed garlic prawns. With its opulent vibe and indulgent flavours, Bastian is set to redefine the city’s fine dining landscape—one bite at a time.

SHELLS, STARS, AND STORIES

Explore a world of oceanic mysticism at renowned artist Jayasri Burman’s solo exhibition at Delhi’s Art  Alive Gallery till February 25. In her show, titled The Whisper of Water, The Song of Stars, Burman uses 
cowries, shells, and bold colours to retell tradition through a modern perspective that echoes the concerns 
of today. Inspired by mythology, at the heart of her work is a celebration of feminine energy and divinity.

BOUTIQUE HAVEN

Tucked away in the heart of Prabhadevi, The Kin is Mumbai’s newest boutique hideaway. Brought to life by sibling duo Imrun Sethi and product designer Guneet Singh, this 15- room design-forward hotel is a love letter to their shared experiences—of growing up in a home filled with warmth, of travelling the world, and of an unrelenting passion for impeccable design. Partnering with architect Samir Raut of Atelier Nowhere, they’ve created a space that’s both intimate and indulgent, tailored for the global aesthete who finds beauty in the finer (and quirkier) things in life. From the moment guests step into The Kin, they’re welcomed by a curated concept store brimming with handpicked treasures—coffee table books, hand-poured candles, and décor piece. A nook under the staircase, draped in patterned fabric with a statement chair, makes every moment spent there Instagram-worthy. The rooms, with their porthole windows, vintage-meets-modern rotary phones, terrazzo floors, and sunken bathtubs, exude effortless elegance. Hand-selected soft furnishings by Singh, crafted by local artisans, tie together a colour palette of warm neutrals, greens, and blues, ensuring every space feels both elevated and inviting. The Kin is more than a hotel, it’s a cultural hub. Photographs, abstract pieces, and contemporary sculptures, curated by art consultants, line the corridors and rooms. The rooftop gym ditches machines for a more organic workout experience, while Terttulia, Imrun’s modern European bistro, serves indulgent meals and cocktails. “Together, we’ve created a destination for creative souls—a space where great food, design, and community come together effortlessly,” says Imrun.

DESIGNING THE FUTURE

From March 20 to March 22, India Interior Expo 2025 will transform Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi, into a hub of creativity and innovation. This international exhibition on architecture and interior design brings together furniture manufacturers, decor specialists, automation experts, and industry leaders showcasing the latest trends in home and interior décor. Whether you’re an architect, designer, or home enthusiast, this is where ideas and inspirations come to life.

GET READY TO SPARKLE

Daum, the iconic luxury French crystal brand, has unveiled its largest store in India. Nestled in the design hotspot of Sultanpur, New Delhi, this 500sqft gallery showcases Daum’s timeless pâte de cristal masterpieces. Adding to the allure is the exclusive Tamara Collection—a fusion of Art Nouveau elegance and Daum’s signature craftsmanship—in collaboration with fashion designer Tamara Ralph.

CULTURAL MILIEU

Four venues. Five months. Twenty Saturdays. Forty incredible performances. The National Centre for Performing Arts (NCPA) is hosting cultural programmes at four parks across Mumbai—Bandra Fort, Cooperage Bandstand, Narali Baug, and Hiranandani Park—every Saturday till March 22. Expect an exhilarating medley of performances—Indian classical music, international melodies, dance, theatre, and more. In partnership with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation, this celebration of creativity brings the arts closer to you.

ODE TO CRAFT

Witness renowned Japanese textile artist Chiaki Maki’s intricate handwoven textiles at her solo exhibition, titled The Art of the Weaver, at Gallery Art Motif, New Delhi. Her exquisite works created with natural fibres like Mulberry silk, Basho (banana fibre), and Choma (ramie) are on display at the gallery till February 28. The textiles are dyed with organic materials such as indigo, pomegranate, and charcoal—reflecting a fusion of heritage, sustainability, and innovation. The show also features works from her Yuragi (waves) and Tsunagi (jointing) series, where Maki explores the meditative rhythm of weaving as a spiritual process.

All images: The Brands

This article first appeared in the January-February 2025 print edition of Harper's Bazaar India

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