MUMBAI charms you with its vivacity. It is a kaleidoscope of colour which enthralls you with the synergy of so many global citizens living together.
From the slum dwellers at Dharavi to the residents of the globe trotters residing in Malabar Hill, each one has found a space for themselves in this Mega City of the World.
The city turned from Bombay to Mumbai in 1995, yet most locals still call it Bombay out of habit as do people elsewhere in the world.
Streets, Railway stations, Monuments have changed their names too, so best do a double check of the address you have when you head out.
The city attracts people from all walks of life and all around the world, and considering it is the financial capital of the country, it offers local businesses, national and international brands and businesses a good launch pad.
The city sees tourists and visitors all through the season, Winter is especially the favoured season, as it offers respite from the sweltering heat. Of course considering it is the city that never sleeps, the party never ends here.
Eminent global newsmakers like Shahrukh Khan, Mukesh Ambani, Ratan Tata call the city their home and one of the reasons international documentaries are made on this city.
Mumbai hosts Antilia, the residence of Mukesh Ambani which is valued at $1 billion. The 27-story skyscraper is cited as the world’s most expensive house.
Home to Asia’s largest slum, Dharavi has now become the hub for several small scale industries and startups setting up shop in this very humble abode.
The iconic landmark spots include the Gateway of India with the Taj Mahal Palace hotel adding grace and elegance to its neighbourhood
When a friend comes visiting, they must see the Juhu Beach, Marine Drive’s Queen’s Necklace.
And of course a visit to Bollywood’s best filming on-location site @Filmcity…
Siddhivinayak Temple, The Haji Ali Mosque, Mahim Church are considered the most revered places for all religious and auspicious beginnings and celebrity visits.
The Dabbawalas (tiffin carriers) and the Open laundromat as the Dhobi Ghat at Mahalaxmi are definitely the most nouveau concept to the city.
International formats in Amusement parks, leisure and entertainment centres as EsselWorld, KidZania, The Game, Timezone, Bounce Inc are slowly and steadily getting popular with the Gen Z.
You also have the traditional get-a-ways like Elephanta and Ellora Caves in the South and The Sanjay Gandhi Nature Park in Borivali which are the popular outdoor picnic spots.
Mumbai is also home to the world famous film industry of India popularly known as ‘Bollywood’. The industry is widely popular for its content which is consumed by the largest global audience.
T-Series a leading name in music and film production located in Mumbai has taken the lead as the largest YouTube channel in the world. Setting a benchmark for other industry labels around the world. In this city which is burgeoning with Multiplexes, Single screen theatres as Gaiety in Bandra and Maratha Mandir in Marine Lines are still favoured by the masses and even celebrities who want to get the audiences’ candid reaction.
Dilwale Dulhaniya Le Jayenge a Yash Raj Chopra film is still running in a special matinee show at Maratha Mandir run by Manoj Desai for over 1200 weeks, 24 years and going strong.
Starbucks coffee shops to Tapri ki Chai you will find a place for steaming hot beverages and conversation starters all across the city.
For a fancy night out for the party people, we now have a Playboy Club and for a family day amidst the lap of luxury brands, you can visit the buzzing Phoenix Market City in Kurla or the High Street Phoenix at Lower Parel.
Red Double Decker buses are still a sight to behold as is the auto rickshaws which is a must ride for the tourists and locals
The trains are considered the lifeline of the city, and rightly so, with the number of documentaries made on the same, it has also got to be the most preferred mode of transport. CNN host the late Anthony Bourdain to other celebrities have used this mode of travel.
The city is filled with people who show much resilience, from surviving terror attacks, floods, riot to other calamities, they have learnt to embrace life’s worst case scenarios and go about their lives in a normal way.
The city is known as the Financial capital and as time passes us by from desi to the videshi (foreign) you will find every brand known available in this city. The city has witnessed several sample or test marketing of many businesses and products
The Gen Z may enjoy their shopping stint on Amazon & Flipkart, but a larger audience still find their calling in the buzzing streets of Crawford Market, where you will find the best produces and merchandises from around the world and country at good bargains.
Mumbai city is no stranger to International concerts, events, plays and hosting some of the biggest sporting events in town. From the likes of U2, Cold Play, Bryan Adams, Justin Beiber performing here to hosting World Cup and IPL matches, Music Fests, Runaway Fashion events, we have them all.
Online sites like Bookmyshow.com , Insider.in have emerged as the go to site when you looking for some respite for the weekend or wanna catch the latest movie in town without queueing up for your tickets.
My city’s favourite sport remains Cricket and popular live matches are played at the Wankhede Stadium or the now sprawling auditorium of D Y Patil at Navi Mumbai.
Marathons are the next fitness goals for the health conscious mumbaikars. The Mumbai Marathon is not to be missed.
Shopping in Bandra Hill Road to Lokhandwala Market or even the Colaba Causeway, makes for some excellent retail therapy and destresser.
The yummy fares of Mumbai Street makes for foodies around the world visit the streets, with famed documentaries and news stories revolving around the Vada Pav, Missal Pav, Juhu Beach ki Bhel Puri and even the Khau galli of Ghatkopar, putting Mumbai on the foodies’ map.
You can experience some gastronomical food at restaurants in the city helmed by world famous chefs as Sanjeev Kapoor, Hemant Oberoi, Vikas Khanna, Ranveer Brar that combine classic dishes with global cuisines to offer Michelin star quality food experience right here in Mumbai.
The must-go-to for a Mumbaikar’s weekend choice are Lonavala, Mahabaleshwar, Matheran and even the coastal beauty of Goa.
Festivals and preparations for its advent keeps us going and united. Diwali – the festival of light, Ganesh Chaturthi – bringing joy and togetherness and Holi – the festival of colours are easily the most enjoyed festival of the city which brings the city alive.
2020 will write its own history, a few more milestone will be added…MUMBAI – My City remains Graceful !
LIFESTYLES OF MUMBAI 