Many faces of Mumbai

Look around Mumbai and all you find a frenzy of people. Each lost in his own world and in his own race against the time. Every face, etched with a different expression, has a unique story to tell.

It’s said that a face is the mirror of the soul. Since times immemorial, Mumbai has been called the financial capital or more recently a concrete jungle. To some it may even appear as a meager shelter or a mere mass of land under the azure sky.  But to millions who belong to it, this city mirrors their emotions.

Imagine if Mumbai, too, had a face.

Would it be angry like the neighbour who frowns every time your dog barks? Would it resemble the grumpy aunt always pricking at your dressing sense? Or would it be tear streaked like that nerd in the class who missed the first position by a mark?

Well, Mumbai, with its charm and poise adorns a different face in every nook and corner that makes this city come alive.

The heart of Mumbai lies in Chhatrapati Shivaji Terminus (CST). Its gothic structure ventilates the excitement of hundreds who throng to this city of dreams carrying a bag of aspirations. Everyday this threshold buzzes with enthusiasm as it welcomes the outsiders who in just a matter of time become an integral part of Mumbai.

The overburdened local trains echo with irritation as millions of people gush in every morning to reach their workplaces. Nevertheless, little moments of joy during the journey or a silly joke keeps Mumbai smiling through the morning mayhem.

Few monuments can describe Mumbai’s face better than the Gateway of India! The calm waves lash at its feet as Mumbai smiles broadly, overjoyed and happy.

The newly opened Bandra-Worli sea link brings forward the confident face of Mumbai as it leads the country’s economic progress.

The young and carefree side of Mumbai is seen in its ‘nukkads’ where future Sachin Tendulkars hit boundaries and sixes. This face is dimpled, full of innocence and unaware of the city’s worries.

The city has its passionate moments as well. The promenades of Marine Drive and Bandra reflect the cupid stricken Mumbai. The blushed cheeks, the whisper of sweet nothings, the cuddles and embraces make the otherwise strong city go weak in its knees.

Life is a blend of joys and sorrows and no one knows it better than Mumbai. The bomb blasts that hit the Mumbai lifelines or the recent 26/11 terrorist attacks makes the city suffer. But its ‘never say die’ spirit encourages Mumbai to resurface, much stronger with an intact soul.

Well, in my simple opinion, if Mumbai had a face, it would indeed resemble that simple girl next door who may seem reticent initially. But once you know her - she is some one you cannot live without.