It was a road to hell before I reached heaven. Heaven, for me, is Mahabaleshwar, cloaked in a soothing bright green, a month after the monsoon. Getting there was hell. This year's rains have pummelled the erstwhile NH17 Mumbai-Goa highway (now NH66). There are potholes as large as craters. It also suddenly morphs from a three-lane highway to a single lane of broken tarmac, often becoming a dirt track.
My weapon of choice to survive the drive is the Mercedes G-class. This boxy, old-fashioned SUV has stood against the winds of change for decades. The exposed door hinges and push-button door handles are still all there, as is the central locking system that makes a clak-clak sound (like an AK-47 being cocked and loaded) as you press the key fob.
This story is from the November 25, 2023 edition of Brunch.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the November 25, 2023 edition of Brunch.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Man of the moments
Sunil Chhetri has retired from football, but he's not done yet. The 40-year-old legend talks about the moments that defined his careerand why his biggest achievement is off the field
Sonal Kaushal
Voice artist, YouTuber, content creator, @The_Motormouth
Raising the nepo rate
Who said privilege was a bad thing? These 10 celeb kids are clapping back at their family legacies and forging ahead on their own
It's rally been a treat
For car lovers, the 1000 Miglia Experience UAE is an opportunity to see - and talk about - rare, timeless cars in all their glory
Mess around and find out
Live while you're young. It's the time to make mistakes, experiment with jobs and relationships, and flirt with new cities
Rewind, reheat, taste, repeat
For anyone tracking the food scene, 2024 has been a year of spectacular highs. See which chefs, restaurants and trends made the cut and will shape the year to come
Thinking on their feet
Viral moves, hook steps, even fakers. Insta has changed how dance evolves. See how creators stay on their toes
Try these new party tricks
The good news: This season's fashion staples can create a party look, a holiday fit and a wedding look too. There is no bad news
Make every second count
History rarely celebrates the runner-up. But we should. It's where the tales of grit and comebacks lie
Pragya Kapoor
Film producer, @PragyaKapoor_
