Finally, a Hanif Kureshi solo show in the capital

Handpicked by our editors, The Nod List is a fortnightly roundup of fashion, beauty, design, art and travel, covering the newest drops, the hottest spots and everything you need to live that best life.

Gallery XXL arrives in Delhi

Gallery XXL opens its new permanent space in Delhi with the first solo exhibition in India of the late artist Hanif Kureshi, co-founder of St+art Foundation. Opening on October 12, his birth anniversary, the exhibition celebrates his legacy through the series Painter Kureshi, a body of work he developed over five years. Rooted in hand-painted street typography, the series draws from Kureshi’s deep research into Indian hand-painted signs and his HandPaintedType Project, which sought to document and digitise Indian lettering. Featuring aerosol and acrylic on canvas, the works shift between monochrome and vivid, saturated tones, transforming everyday street visuals into bold meditations on form, language, and memory. —Sheya Kurian

Hanif Kureshi’s solo exhibition will be on view at Gallery XXL in New Delhi from October 12 to November 30

The great Indian bar crawl

If you live in Bengaluru and are looking for a weekend getaway without getting on a flight, Greater Than Gin’s ‘Bars From Far’ has you covered (and might just become your new BFF—pun fully intended). This pop-up brings some of India’s top bars—think Goa’s Pablos, Mumbai’s Bombay Daak, Pune’s Elephant and Co, and more—together in one spot, so you can sip your way through the country’s best cocktails without leaving your city. Along with delicious drinks, food pop-ups save you from those questionable drunk decisions, and a music lineup is likely to keep you on your feet. Whether you’re in the mood to celebrate or just need a break, it’s the perfect way to kick off the festive season.—Muskan Kaur

‘Bars From Far’ will be on at WeWork Galaxy, Ashok Nagar, Bengaluru, on October 10 and 11. Tickets available here

Games people play (and everyone’s invited)

In artist duo Thukral and Tagra’s latest exhibition, Games People Play 02, the work ‘Assets and Liabilities’ sets the tone. Here, a ping pong table made from demonetised currency invites players to rally across the remnants of a shaken economy. It’s playful, ironic, and quietly political, hinting at the duo’s larger interest in how we perform, compete, and connect. The exhibition itself draws inspiration from Eric Berne’s book Games People Play, which explores the unconscious “games” that shape human behaviour. Spread across 10 days, the show unfolds like a constantly changing playground. Each day unlocks a new mood or mindset, from hope to care to anxiety. Nothing here stays still; the art, the people, and even the feelings are all in motion.—Sheya Kurian

Games People Play 02 will be on view at the Lalit Kala Akademi in New Delhi from October 7 to 16

A jazzy weekend under the banyan tree

Get ready, New Delhi! Jazz Weekender is back for its fourth edition this weekend under 1AQ’s iconic banyan tree. Featuring global icons like Mark de Clive-Lowe and Allysha Joy and funky beats from Oreglo and Derek & The Cats, the lineup is straight fire. But it’s not just about jazz; expect vibrant, soul-stirring performances that span genres from an eclectic mix of artists including Meba Ofilia, Ranj x Clifr, and Sera Kalo. Whether you’re a die-hard jazzophile or just in it for the vibe, it’s the place to be this weekend. Enjoy an afternoon picnic on the grass, grab a craft cocktail, or pop by the artisan flea market between sets.—Aarya Khutade

Jazz Weekender will be on at 1AQ Mehrauli, New Delhi, from October 11 to 12. Tickets available on district.in

Your Diwali party just got a whole lot meme-ier

If you’re hunting for the ultimate game to add some masti to your Diwali party, Gouda Games has your back with their desi-fied version of What Do You Meme? It’s all about pairing funny captions with photos to create memes that hit just right—and whether you’re 18 or 80, there's stuff in there that every Indian will find easy to relate to.—Diya Parakh

Shop here

The glow-getters from JWA’s debut Dior collection

Peter Philips has been thinking about viral products. His latest creations for the Dior Backstage range are all about giving users the backstage glow-up experience in packaging they wouldn’t mind flexing in a cheeky Instagram story. First in the lineup is the Rosy Glow Stick, the brand’s dewy blush stick, which adapts to the skin’s pH to give you personalised colour. Its creamy cherry-oil-infused formula melts onto the skin like a dream and blends easily with the fingertips or a brush. Rosy Glow, the cult-favourite powder blush, has been overhauled with a new buildable formula that also adapts to your skin pH and is packaged in a fresh softly curved square case with the Oblique motif. Finally, there’s Dior Addict Lip Glow Butter, a lip treatment infused with peptide and ceramide for juicy, plump-looking lips—there’s a cute little silver Oblique charm hanging off the tube. Talk about Instagram bait. Obviously, they made an appearance in Jonathan Anderson’s debut show. If you’re wondering what products were used, here it is: Rosy Glow Stick in 006 Berry and 012 Rosewood, and the Lip Glow Butter in 103 Toffee. You’re welcome.—Chloe Chou

Shop the Dior Backstage new launches on nykaa.com

Sugar rush for your jewellery box

The Antara x Jet Gems collection is the equivalent of a candy store. Featuring jelly-bright rings, gumball-inspired hoops, sorbet-hued studs, and charm pendants, the collection embraces bold colour and playful shapes with an elevated twist. Crafted from 18-carat gold and adorned with semi-precious stones and natural diamonds, these pieces are perfect for stacking, styling, and making a statement at the next brunch or night out. “This collection is about having fun with your jewels—buy them, indulge yourself. They are bite-sized collectibles, great to add to your collection or even to gift,” says Antara Motiwala Marwah.—Aarya Khutade

Available exclusively at the Jet Gems boutique in Mumbai. Address: Jet Gems, Shop No 2, 36 Turner Road, Bandra West, Mumbai – 400050

30+ desi hip-hop artists on one stage

Spotify’s putting the spotlight on Indian hip-hop artists with the fourth edition of RAP91, a showcase of over 30 musicians rapping in English, Hindi, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Bhojpuri, Punjabi, and even Haryanvi. On the lineup are Ab 17, Addy Nagar, ARJN, Asal Kolaar, Bhaskar, Ikka, Seedhe Maut, Reble, and Yung Sammy, all set to make an appearance at this one-night-only event.—Ruhi Gilder

RAP91 is happening on October 16 at Domi SVP Stadium, Mumbai. Buy tickets on District

Bodycare that makes you salivate

Is it more important to look good or smell good? Sol de Janeiro wants to give you the best of both worlds. The TikTok-famous brand that’s on every skincare-obsessed tween’s wishlist has just launched the Badalada body lotion in India. Unlike most lotions that have a sticky finish, this one’s lightweight and gets absorbed into the skin quickly. The formula boasts a blend of seven multi-weight hyaluronic acids that draw moisture into the skin while leaving it smelling great thanks to the signature gourmand Cheirosa 62 scent. Also new is the Glow Motions Glow Oil in two gorgeous shades laced with, again—you guessed it—Cheirosa 62. Slather on Rio Radiance for a sheer, champagne glow, or Copacabana Bronze if you want to look like you’ve just got back from a beach vacation. Pro tip: skip body moisturiser unless you have really dry skin—the oil is infused with cupuaçu butter and a blend of coconut, açai, and sunflower oils, which make it quite hydrating. —Chloe Chou

Shop the Badalada Vitamin-Infused Lotion and Glowmotions Glow Oils on sephora.in