Models Bharath Murugaiyan, Neeraj Saini and Ankit Karki take HTSI Magazine readers to Mumbai in a fashion story ‘Mumbai Magnetic’, written by Jessica Beresford.

Stylist Nikhil Mansata has curated a eclectic menswear offering from Acne Studios, Anamika Khanna [Indian], Bandhgala [Indian], Bianca Saunder, Casablanca, Fendi, Giorgio Armani, Karu Research [Indian], Kolor, LOEWE, Louis Vuitton, Naushad Ali [Indian], Our Legacy, Paul Smith, Péro [Indian], Prada, Suspel, Tod’s, Wooyoungmi, and Zegna in the May 18th issue. Hair and makeup by Maniasha.

London-based photographer Vivek Vadoliya [IG] describes these images for HTSI as “One of the most special stories I’ve shot to date, celebrating Mumbai a city thats so dear to my heart. It’s a place that’s getting a lot of attention for its creativity and energy, and I’m so glad it’s being celebrated!”

Vadoliya’s first book ‘Mallakhamb’ is available here .

In a bustling park in the heart of Mumbai, lithe, limber bodies practice Mallakhamb, an ancient martial art form utilised by warriors, Its origins are believed to trace back to the 12th century. They combine wrestling grips and yoga poses to suspend the body and perform aerial acrobatic movements. They move like water – women on ropes while men manoeuvre poles.

This work is a visual love letter to the art form and a celebration of brown body. While under British rule, Mallakhamb’s popularity waned and almost died entirely. But slowly, it’s being revived by people such as Uday Deshpande, whose lifelong goal is to nurture and develop the practice of the sport through the competitions and camps that take place across India and, increasingly, the world. For Deshpande, it’s a way of preserving the discipline and bringing new life to the sport.