Sydney’s Parsi community turned back the clock on 4^th July, 2026, as Natak Mandali staged its acclaimed production, Bombay Talkies, before a packed audience at the Performing Arts Centre, Pacific Hills Christian School. For one memorable evening, the venue was transformed into a bustling Mumbai Irani café, complete with Bun Maska, Chicken Patties and steaming cups of Irani Chai.

Originally created by celebrated playwright Vikram Kapadia as a series of monologues, the production was reimagined for the Sydney stage by Dinsha Palkhiwala, who adapted, directed and produced the ensemble performance while preserving the warmth, humour and unmistakable spirit of Mumbai.

Set within a traditional Irani café, Bombay Talkies brought together a colourful cast of characters whose conversations reflected the city’s rich diversity, nostalgia and everyday charm. Mahiyar Wellington impressed as café owner Khodadad “Khodu” Irani, while Mehul Somaiya, Kamal Colah, Cyra Noshirwan, Namita Matani, Nisar Sirguroh, Akanksha Srivastava, Taufeeq Sheikh, Mittal Bhavsar and Sadiq Rehmani all delivered engaging performances. Palkhiwala himself delighted audiences as the lovable Parsi husband, Dinsha Daruwala, drawing hearty laughter with his trademark wit and comic timing.

Adding to the authenticity, Sydney-based Parsi caterer Khurshid Jilla served traditional Irani café favourites, recreating the cherished atmosphere of Mumbai’s iconic eateries. Audience response was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, with many describing the production as an emotional journey rather than simply a stage performance. Following the show, theatre-goers stayed back to share memories of Mumbai and its disappearing Irani cafés – as a heartfelt celebration of Mumbai’s enduring spirit and the timeless charm of its Irani café culture, leaving Sydney’s Parsi community with memories to savour long after the final curtain.