Laakh Roz Aake Bas Jaate Hai(lyrics from the song “Bambai Nagariya” sung by Bappi Lahiri in the movie Taxi No. 9211)
Iss Sheher Se Is Dil Laga Ke Phas Jaate Hai
Sone Ki Raahon Mein Soone Ko Jagah Nahi
Shola Hai Ya Hai Bijuriya Dil Ki Bajariya Bambai Nagariya
Utar Jaaye Ragon Mein Jo Toh Teh Nasha Hai
Iski Aadat Jo Pad Gayi Toh Yeh Saza Hai
Aise Bhar De Ke Khaali Kar De
I said it then and I say it now. I’m addicted to this mad city.
The thought for this post came when I was watching Taxi No. 9211 for the x-th time on TV. What a super Bombay movie. Besides a lovely soundtrack, I really liked the way the characters were etched, the performances, and of course Bombay in the movie.
Taxi No. 9211 also takes me back to this comment by the good Filmiholic,
One other thing.... have you noticed the central role that the city itself plays in some recent Hindi movies? Bluffmaster, Taxi No 9211, Sarkar, just to name a few.That comment led to the “Reel life Bombay” series, where Filmiholic and Punds were kind enough to guest. That was one of the most fun series I’ve had on this blog.
In the "Making Of" segment on the DVD of Bluffmaster, Rohan Sippy said that they saw Bombay as another character in the movie.
But, coming back to Bombay, love and addiction…
See, I'm addicted to Bombay. Which is a bit different from loving Bombay, because loving Bombay can get a bit dicey. I mean, sample these oft-read, oft-heard p.o.v.s -
The outraged view – how dare you say this about a city where a woman can go home at three in the night and be assured that she’d reach home safe? a city whose cab and rickshaw drivers are so honest? a city that is so efficient and quick? with such a vibrant night-life?
Or, the are-you-a-dimwit defense - how you can love a city where traffic is so miserable, politicians are corrupt, real estate end rentals are a joke, infrastructure collapsing everyday.
Or, the “Hi-I’m-from-Fortune” move – Bombay is a city of contradictions. Skyscrapers brush shoulders with slums. Mercedes engines talk with bullock-carts. Cows walk along-side Chihuahuas.
And finally, the I-will-always-love-you gambit – oh, I’d die for a vada-pav on a rain-soaked evening at Marine Drive. Or have bhel on Chowpatty with the waves touching my feet. The hazaar, yummy, road-side food joints.
Here’s the thing. Bombay is all of that and then some. But then you already knew that.
Is that enough to declare undying love - or for that matter disgust - for this city? I don't know.
And is there a truth about Bombay? I don't think so.
So, for the record, I’ll say it again. This city is a drug and I’m an addict.
Utar Jaaye Ragon Mein Jo Toh Teh Nasha Hai
Iski Aadat Jo Pad Gayi Toh Yeh Saza Hai
16 comments:
The city is a drug and I am an addict.
That just about sums it all. I couldn't agree more with the fact that addiction is a total different trip once can get on.
I mean the mad rush everyone is in, the 8.27 locals, the pollution, the sky rocketting real-estate that drags you to the lowest pit, it all is bad, but heck, we are addicted and we are loving it.
Bal Thackeray
BA,
I love Taxi 9211 too; I think Nana's a jem in it, even in little scenes like where he's in the jail cell and keeps telling John to lower his finger and not point at him...
Funny coincidence, I was a screening last night here in NYC at a university, where they were showing Madhushree Dutta's "Seven Islands and a Metro" her documentary about Bombay, filmed during 3 monsoon seasons.
Kusum - thanks. Funny how you can love an addiction, but nice way of putting it !
Madhat - Sorry, I didn't get you there.
Filmi - Oh he was just super, wasn't he? How was "Seven islands.."? I wanted to catch it when it was here, but missed out on it. Will probably see it on DVD.
Just telling you why I consider Mumbai a stupid city - Bal Thackeray as the city's biggest icon **shudder**
nicely, poetically put! good on ya, copper.
ps, strange coincidence: the word verification on this comment is "liric".
"Is there a truth about Bombay?" - There are many truths about it...that's the lure of the place. Few days ago I posted my truth, an account of all that I miss after a year of leaving Bombay.
And "the city as a character"....I never thought of it like that, but its damn cool so thanks for the gyaan.
And finally, Madhat - Bal T may be one of the city's icons, but he sure as hell ain't the only one. Anyway, you've inspired an idea for another Bombay post - on my beloved city's many, many, many icons - so thanks.
BA, it was good, especially the images and the interviews.
It is long, though.
Then again, that may not have bothered me normally, but the hall it was screened in was like ice (quite an odd sensation while watching Bom Bahiya unfurl before your eyes for 2+ hours...).
Madhat - I thought as much you meant that. Interesting..that Tehelka survey..8% people also thought Balu T was the most disliked figure in Mumbai.
Sim - Thanks for the comment and yes, those word verifications can get quite weird!
Shalom - Thanks. And well the thanks for the "Mumbai as central character" thought should go to Filmiholic !
Filmi - Thanks, I hope they're planning to release the DVD. Would to love to see it. Bom Bahiya..ah, haven't heard the good bay for a long time !
Man, I am into Bombay as much as anybody else ! Will be 14 yrs since I have been gone, but till date I refer to it as home. Its a passion, an obsession.
I love everything about it, the mad rush, the cozy homes, the diehard mumbaikars.
Ek junnon so sawaar hojaaye jaye dil par tho acche acchon ko aashique banaye !
Brilliant post...I echo the same sentiments exactly.
The best part is you make your passion show and bring it to light for all of those in exile outside the city visiting it at best once a year.
Keep the articles coming BA !
Cheers,
Vivek
Red - waah ! amazing ! very well said !
Vivek - Thanks so much for the kind words !
Even though I was born there, I have a strange disconnection to it. Perhaps that will change this summer.
Vi - thanks for the comment ! I'd love to know if you change your mind !
i am addicted to it too...the place has a life of its own.
and I am undergoing withdrawal symptoms in this place called Bangalore...they dont even make good vada-pav.
I go around here wearing a T-Shirt that says:
" Nothing better than the BEST" with the last word being on a bus.
also seem to find a strange sense of jealousy...ppl in the rest of the country trying to show how their part is better than Bombay.
We in Bombay dont TRY!!
Nissim - thanks for the comment. Really liked the line on your T-shirt!
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