Mumbai Concludes Landmark AATM Congress 2025, Driving Global Transfusion Innovation

MUMBAI: The XX Annual Congress of the Asian Association of Transfusion Medicine (AATM) 2025 and the 5th Joint Meeting of AATM-AABB successfully concluded in Mumbai, cementing the city's role as a vital center for global medical dialogue. Held under the theme "INNOVATE. INTEGRATE. IMPLEMENT", the event provided an invaluable opportunity to network and grow at an international level, welcoming over 600 delegates from more than 24 countries, who engaged with 150 faculty delivering high-level scientific lectures.

The congress, chaired by Dr. Gajendra Gupta with Dr. Nidhi Mehta as the Organizing Committee Chair, commenced with a distinguished Inaugural Ceremony on November 14, 2025. The event was honored by the presence of Chief Guest Dr. Santosh Indraksha, Deputy Drugs Controller (India) from the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation, and Guest of Honour Shri D. R. Gahane, the Drug Controller for the Food and Drug Administration, Maharashtra.

The intellectual momentum began on November 13, 2025, with five focused pre-congress workshops providing practical expertise at renowned hospitals including Tata Memorial Hospital, P.D. Hinduja Hospital, Fortis Hospital (Mulund), Dr. LH Hiranandani Hospital, and Nanavati Max Hospital.

Over the two main days (November 14-15), the scientific program covered a comprehensive range of topics including global safety, emerging pathogens, plasma medicines, blood component therapy, donor management, sickle cell anemia, thalassemia prevention, ethics, education, and leadership in transfusion medicine.

The resounding success of the AATM Congress 2025 affirms Transfusion Medicine is rapidly emerging as a central and critical branch of modern medicine, positioned at the forefront of patient care with exciting breakthroughs in personalized blood product delivery, regenerative medicine, and leveraging informatics to ensure universal blood safety.

Exploring Bollywood landmarks & experiences

Bollywood Studio Tours

  1. Film City (Dadasaheb Phalke Chitra Nagari) – Goregaon
  2. Mumbai’s biggest film studio complex.
    Tours include live shooting sets, sound stages, and behind-the-scenes experiences.
    Advance booking required via official websites or trusted operators - Book a guided Bollywood Studio Tour (~2–3 hrs).
    See sets, live shooting (if permitted), dubbing studios, and costume zones.
    Operators: Bollywood Tours India, Mumbai Filmcity Tours

  3. SJ Studios or Balaji Telefilms – Andheri
  4. Offers guided Bollywood tours, including post-production insights, costume rooms, and sometimes live shooting access.
    Behind-the-scenes look at TV and film production.

  5. Mehboob Studios (if accessible)
  6. Historic studio with film heritage.

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Bollywood Star Homes Tour (Bandra & Juhu)

Drive past the residences of famous Bollywood stars (from the outside, of course):

  1. Mannat – Shah Rukh Khan
  2. Galaxy Apartments – Salman Khan
  3. Jalsa & Prateeksha – Amitabh Bachchan
Local tour guides Tip: Hire a local guide or join a "Bollywood Stars Home Tour" available via Viator or GetYourGuide for context and comfort.

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Iconic Bollywood Film Locations

Drive past the residences of famous Bollywood stars (from the outside, of course):

  1. Bollywood Parks at Imagicaa (about 2 hours from Mumbai)
  2. A theme park with Bollywood-themed rides and shows.

  3. Bollywood musical stage shows or theatre performance at local theatres (check for events at NCPA, Nariman Point or Prithvi Theatre, Juhu).

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Live Bollywood Entertainment

Drive past the residences of famous Bollywood stars (from the outside, of course):

  1. Marine Drive & Chowpatty Beach – Featured in countless films as the romantic or dramatic backdrop, especially during sunsets or rains. (about 2 hours from Mumbai)
  2. A theme park with Bollywood-themed rides and shows.

  3. Gateway of India & Taj Mahal Palace A frequent shooting location for movies set in Mumbai. Optional: Sunset boat ride from the Gateway.
  4. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus (CST) Seen in films like Slumdog Millionaire and many Bollywood thrillers.
  5. Dharavi Slum Tour Featured in Slumdog Millionaire (Ethical operators only: Reality Tours & Travel) Includes local industries, community insight, and cultural education.

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Bollywood Memorabilia & Costumes

Drive past the residences of famous Bollywood stars (from the outside, of course):

  1. Bollywood Museum (in development but occasionally accessible via special tours).
  2. Costume rental shops and Bollywood-themed souvenir stores (posters, outfits, DVDs etc) in Andheri and Colaba Causeway.

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Filmy Mumbai

  1. Watch a Bollywood Movie at a Classic Cinema Hall: Regal Cinema, Eros Theatre, or G7 Multiplex (Gaiety-Galaxy)
    Try to catch a first-day-first-show for the true fan experience!

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Where to eat

  1. Celebrity-favorite café: Hakkasan, Olive Bar & Kitchen, or Le15 Café
  2. Pali Village Café (Bandra) or The Table (Colaba)Hakkasan, Olive Bar & Kitchen, or Le15 Café
  3. Restaurants in Matunga or Lower Parel – try authentic Maharashtrian or South Indian cuisine

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