Yeh hai Mumbai Meri Jaan…

Was drenched in a wave of nostalgia, as I visited Mumbai last week after 16 long years….a city where I spent a good part of my growing up years! Nothing much had changed….only more people, more vehicles, more buildings…..but yet there is something magical about this city!

Weary feet tread along,

the wheels always on the move

carry the burdened shoulders, without a smirk

waves crash against the shore, with a sense of urgency

time and tide wait for none here.

 

Aspiring dreams find wings to soar

the glitz and glamour bedazzle the naked eye

there is a seamless amalgam of food, religion and people

the grandeur of festive celebrations is unparalleled.

 

Mafia and the underbelly, a dark reality

fragmented destinies lie scattered

rains and resilience flow together

sweaty brows overpower the fragrant scents

silhouettes stand tall against the swarm of slums.

 

A city that never sleeps

is defined by extreme contrasts

yet, boasts of a magnanimous character

as it embraces all into its fold!

76 thoughts on “Yeh hai Mumbai Meri Jaan…”

  6. I’ve never been to Mumbai yet (unless you count the layover of my once-not-so-direct flight). Hopefully one day soon, I’ll be able to experience the city in all its Glory. Great job, dear. ❤️😄

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  13. I’ve never been to Mumbai unless you count the layover of my once not-so-direct flight. Hopefully, one day soon enough, I’ll be able to experience this magnificent City in all its Glory. Great job, dear! ❤️😄

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      1. Ohh yes. Hopefully I’ll be able to visit soon!
        I’ve been really neglecting my blog. It’s been a busy couple of months. Managing work and everything else is turning out to be tricky! But I’m back to blogging now (yes, with more tiny tales. 😉) Hopefully, this time around, I’ll be able to keep up the spree.

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  21. I studied my BA there in Wilson college. I loved those years. I needed a few months to adjust after school life in Delhi. Then the magic of Bombay filled me. College life and the local train’s and the lending libraries 😊

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      1. I was there from 1979 to 1982. I must have read countless books in those three years. My classes were from early morning to afternoon so did not experience the rush in the trains 😊

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  27. Every word , so true for Aamchi Mumbai. Very well written Radhika.
    Loved the line …seamless amalgam of food, religion and people👌👌👍

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  31. Brilliantly penned down poem Madam..!! A lovely read.. ☺️
    The poem no doubt is lovely, despite the fact that I am currently stuck in Mumbai and I hate Mumbai. Many parameters are there to explain that. If I were to write one, I would have written for Chandigarh or Delhi.
    A brilliant poem nevertheless.. Thank you Madam for sharing.. ☺️

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    1. Thanks Abirbhav. If one likes Mumbai, he falls in love with the city, else it’s the other way round. 😊
      Had been to Chandigarh many years ago. A well planned and beautiful city. As regards Delhi, I feel the pollution has eclipsed its rich heritage and beauty.

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      1. You are right Madam. Mumbai evokes two extreme emotions: Love or Hate.
        I believe Chandigarh has all the ingredients perfect for eulogizing it.. No pollution, friendly people, zilch crowds, modern facilities, low crime rate, all clubbed into one.
        Delhi is polluted, yes. But Mumbai despite the sea overtook Delhi last year.. 😉
        Thank you once again Madam for sharing it.. A lovely read indeed.. ☺️

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