"Aye dil hai mushkil jeena yahan...
Zara hat ke zara bach ke, yeh hai
Bombay Meri Jaan"
I couldn't say it better than Mr. Johnny Walker in one of my favourite movies ever! (C.I.D - for those who don't know)
As a girl from the smallest state in India, I was (and probably still not) used to a city and it's commotion. And I don't think I have ever seen a city as chaotic and loud as Mumbaiiiii.
I've lived here for 4 years and I honestly am not sure if I am still used to the city. But, I have grown to care and even have a little fondness for this city. I love its filminess, I love the vibe and I love how you can scream in frustration after being stuck at the Elphinstone signal and the cab driver won't judge you.
'Samajhta Hoon Madam' - they might say.
Even then, there is so much I don't know about the city. And now that we are all in isolation and lock-down, I have found daydreaming about my favourite coffee shop in town, or my favourite street and even make plans about visiting places I never ended up visiting... like Manori Island for example! I have a friend who is from there and I've only heard her describe it but it made me want to visit.
So thought I'll list down some of the things I miss the most about this city, as I stay indoors, isolating, typing away...
Restaurants
Love going out to eat. I have learned how to cook in this lock-down but imagine the usual city working hours and having to survive on maid-made food. These moments of going out to find a new dish to try and enjoy the atmosphere of the restaurant or café was what kept me sane in the chaos of the city. Whether it’s a fancy plate of sushi or a hearty dish at my favourite Parsi café or that amazing slice of Tiramisu from Foodhall that I dream about even now.
Old World Charms Of South Bombay
I actually miss Kalaghoda, if I have to be specific. It might be one of my favourite parts of Bombay. But there is some spirit in those old bricks that you will find in every second corner while in South Mumbai. For a city that is used to the most crowded local trains, there is some sort of calmness in the chaos when you de-board from one of these local trains at Churchgate or CST. It's the last stop. While other stops have people rush in and out and you struggle to remain calm in the crowd, at these iconic train stations, that struggle relaxes. Cause even if there is a crowd, it disperses. It's almost automated, everyone who was sticking to you minutes before finds their own path and disappear into the vastness. Old Bombay, South Bombay, has some of the most iconic spots you would come across and when I am there, I feel a little filmy for being a part of those iconic spots. I remember the first time I visited Regal Cinema during the Mumbai Film Festival and I was thrilled - not cause of the film itself but because I was at one of the most famous cinema halls in the country!
Famous and Not-so Famous Gallis (Lanes)
Chor Bazaar, Waroda Road Bandra, Khotachiwadi... so many wonderful lanes in this city that have soooo many stories to tell. A photographer's dream. An Instagrammer's ideal 'Bombay Vibe' backgrounds... these lanes are so much more. Iconic in the true sense and old and filled with elements that make a writer want to discover more. I especially love the surprises that come across your way when you stumble upon something you don't expect and then that unexpected thing becomes a 'spot' you keep coming back to. Like Taj Ice Cream in Chor Bazaar for me. Handmade Sancha ice-cream in a small shop. And soon I put it on a list for an article I wrote on Ramzan special food trail.
The Sea
Natural yes. In 4 years I've never been to a proper beach in Mumbai because I'm sure I'll be disappointed. But now I wish I had at least that. But I've never stayed away from the coast. I miss sitting the most emptiest corner of Nariman Point, I miss Carter Road and Bandstand. I miss complaining about 'eh what's this view, I wish I was home (Goa)' , I miss the breeze and taking out my phone to see where the nearest coffee shop or restaurant. I miss the option. The option I had to go and sit there and complain and on the rare days even appreciate it...
In short. I miss Bombay...
