Every music concert among friends would often begin with, or end with, a customary sharing of cab details and phone tracking. Even when doing it out of concern, it feeds into an unsaid patriarchal privilege. “It does feed into the stereotype. That is what we hope to change,” Darshan M points out. The founder of the Sonic Tigress Festival, and a serial entrepreneur, is prepping for Sonic Tigress, the debut women-only festival that will open in Santacruz this week.

“This is not a festival for ‘becharis’,” he reminds us, adding, “Women are completely capable and independent to create, enjoy, and lead a festival. We are simply offering them an opportunity to explore their creative freedoms.” The decision was a reaction to experiences that were not so good. Attending a concert some years back, Darshan had observed how men can get insufferable at concerts, making it difficult for women to even enjoy music.