Morning No. 1 Malishka

Malishka connected with photographer and visual artist Monica Dhaka, who is using the power of photography and visual storytelling to challenge how society looks at acid attack survivors through her project, Before You See the Scar. The project transforms close-up photographs of burnt skin into beautiful landscape-like visuals, encouraging people to look beyond the scars and question why physical appearance is often the first thing that defines these women in the eyes of society. Alongside these artistic images, Monica also showcases portraits of the survivors and shares their own words, allowing them to tell their stories in their own voices and on their own terms. Through this conversation, Malishka explored the thought behind the project, Monica's experience of photographing acid attack survivors and the importance of changing the way society perceives them. The interaction highlighted that while scars may be a part of these women's journeys, they do not define their identities, aspirations or abilities. At a time when conversations around women's empowerment, dignity and equal opportunities are more important than ever, Malishka brought attention to a project that asks us to look beyond physical appearances and recognise these women for who they truly are. The conversation also encouraged listeners to explore Monica's work and support the initiative, reinforcing the message that every woman deserves respect, dignity and the opportunity to be seen beyond her scars.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navratri is a festival of music, dance and celebration, and this year Ghatkopar made it even more special by organising an inclusive Navratri celebration for children with special needs. Malishka connected with Janhvi Modi, one of the organisers, to understand the thought and effort behind creating a space where these children could experience the joy of Garba and be a part of the festive celebrations. The initiative ensured that the festival was not just about traditional dance and grand celebrations, but also about inclusion, participation and making everyone feel welcome. In her conversation with Janhvi, Malishka explored how the special Navratri event was organised, the arrangements made for the children, the response from participants and families, and the importance of creating such inclusive spaces during community celebrations. The interaction highlighted how festivals become more meaningful when everyone gets an opportunity to participate, express themselves and celebrate without feeling left out. A beautiful reminder that the spirit of Navratri lies in bringing people together, and that the joy of Garba belongs to everyone!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Navratri is a time for late-night Garba, celebrations and meeting people, but behind all the festive fun, there's an unusual trend gaining attention – hiring private detectives to keep an eye on partners and children! Malishka connected with Vishal, a private detective from Ahmedabad, to understand why detective agencies see a rise in enquiries during Navratri. From suspicious spouses and partners wanting to track each other's movements to parents keeping tabs on their teenagers attending late-night Garba events, the conversation explored what makes this festive season a busy period for private investigators. Malishka spoke to Vishal about the kind of assignments detectives receive, how they keep track of people without being noticed and what clients typically want to find out. She also brought the conversation closer to Mumbai, exploring how much it costs to hire a private detective in the city and what kind of charges people can expect for such surveillance assignments. An interesting look at how Navratri's Garba nights are creating business for private detectives, with some people dancing to the dhol while others are busy keeping an eye on them!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of Naak Mein Dum, Malishka widened the conversation beyond construction dust and vehicular pollution to examine the destruction of Mumbai's natural green cover. She connected with Sonika Bhasin, who works in sustainability and actively raises her voice against the cutting of mangroves, to understand why these vital ecosystems are being lost and what their disappearance means for Mumbai. The conversation explored the importance of mangroves as natural coastal protectors, their role in supporting biodiversity, absorbing carbon and acting as a buffer against flooding and coastal erosion. Malishka also questioned the larger development-versus-environment debate, looking at why mangroves are being cut, what impact this destruction could have on the city's ecological balance and what the concerned authorities have to say about it. The interaction brought attention to the need for environmental accountability and the importance of protecting Mumbai's remaining natural ecosystems. Through Sonika's perspective, Naak Mein Dum highlighted that the fight for cleaner air cannot be limited to controlling emissions and construction dust; protecting the city's mangroves and green spaces is equally important for its environmental future.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Taking the Naak Mein Dum campaign's health focus further, Malishka connected with paediatrician Dr. Aastha Jain to understand how Mumbai's worsening air quality affects children. With children spending time outdoors, travelling to school, playing in playgrounds and being exposed to dust and pollutants in their surroundings, concerns around their health become even more serious. Dr. Aastha Jain explained why children are particularly vulnerable to air pollution and how exposure to harmful particulate matter can affect their developing respiratory systems. The conversation explored the possible impact of polluted air on children's lungs, immunity and overall health, along with respiratory symptoms and conditions that parents should watch out for. Malishka also brought attention to the challenges parents face when the air their children breathe every day is beyond their control. Through this interaction, Naak Mein Dum highlighted that Mumbai's pollution crisis is not just an environmental concern but a public health issue that could have long-term consequences for the city's youngest residents.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of Naak Mein Dum, Malishka explored the health consequences of Mumbai's deteriorating air quality by connecting with eye specialist Dr. Aakash Jain. While conversations around pollution largely focus on breathing difficulties, lung damage and respiratory illnesses, Malishka brought attention to another vulnerable part of the human body – our eyes. Dr. Aakash Jain explained how exposure to polluted air, dust and harmful particles can affect eye health, leading to irritation, redness, watering, dryness and allergic reactions. The conversation also addressed how prolonged exposure to poor air quality can aggravate existing eye conditions and why people should not dismiss persistent irritation as just another seasonal problem. Malishka brought out the often-overlooked connection between AQI and eye health, helping listeners understand that pollution does not just affect what we breathe but can also directly impact our vision and everyday comfort. The interaction highlighted the need to take eye-related symptoms seriously and understand the health risks associated with Mumbai's polluted air.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Malishka took her Naak Mein Dum campaign to Govandi, where residents have been battling dust pollution caused by Ready-Mix Concrete (RMC) plants operating in their neighbourhood. She connected with Advocate Faiyaz Sheikh, a Govandi resident and member of the Govandi Citizen Welfare Forum, to understand the residents' fight against these plants and the impact of continuous cement and concrete dust on their daily lives. The conversation brought attention to the fact that the Maharashtra Pollution Control Board had issued a stop-work notice to these RMC plants back in 2025, yet operations continued despite the earlier directive. Advocate Faiyaz Sheikh highlighted how residents had to take matters forward by issuing legal notices and demanding the closure of the plants due to worsening air quality and dust pollution. Their collective action helped bring the issue back into focus and eventually contributed to stopping operations at the concerned plants. Malishka used this conversation to highlight the importance of enforcing existing pollution-control orders and ensuring that residents are not forced to fight the same battle repeatedly just to breathe cleaner airSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

As part of her Naak Mein Dum campaign, Malishka connected with Dhaval Shah, Chairman of the Lokhandwala-Oshiwara Citizens Association, to highlight concerns around dust pollution caused by demolition and construction activity. Dhaval spoke about a builder allegedly violating prescribed norms while carrying out demolition work, creating dust and putting residents' health at risk. He also explained how the association took up the matter and filed a complaint against the builder, demanding action against the violations. The intervention resulted in the demolition work being stopped, bringing attention to the importance of citizen participation and accountability in tackling Mumbai's pollution crisis. Through this conversation, Malishka highlighted how residents can collectively raise their voices, challenge violations and demand that builders follow pollution-control guidelines instead of compromising the health of people living in the neighbourhood.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

A news update about loud phone conversations and playing reels at high volume inside local trains being a punishable offence sparked questions among Mumbaikars. Malishka connected with Western Railway CPRO Vineet Abhishek to clarify the news and understand whether this rule applies to Mumbai local trains or is specific to South Indian Railways. The conversation brought out an important clarification: while the news doing the rounds was about South Indian trains, rules against causing nuisance through loud conversations and playing music or videos at high volume already exist for Mumbai local trains too. Malishka also raised the all-important question: what are the penalties or charges commuters can face for violating these rules?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

With the Andheri ₹500 change scam raising questions about the possibility of hypnosis, Malishka connected with hypnotherapist Shilpa to get an expert perspective. Can someone actually hypnotise another person in a public setting and make them hand over more money than they intended? Shilpa addressed these concerns and clarified that this is not how hypnosis works. She busted the myths around hypnosis, explained what it can and cannot do, and helped separate fact from fiction in a case that has left Andheri residents puzzled.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.