This is Bombay, "meri jaan"!

Stunning architecture of CST station

Yesterday we completed ten years since me and my family shifted to Bombay. I remember friends warning me before I left from Ahmedabad, "if you live in that city for more than two years, you will fall in love with it and you would never wish to come back." I remember laughing at the remark and replying "no chance!" And here I am! After spending a decade in this stunningly beautiful city of Bombay, I admit, the prophecy of our friends has turned out to be completely true!

For many people living outside Bombay, this city is about Bollywood, a place for never-ending dreams, a land of endless opportunities. There is more to Bombay than Bollywood, overgrown slums, the dabbawalas, premier padmini taxis, vada pavs, the cutting chai, stock market,  BEST buses and fishermen.    

How does one define Bombay? It is a city of powerful contradictions! There are layers and layers to many invisible, different worlds, swirling into myriad patterns of juxtaposing and coexisting in this effervescent city that exudes such aura of power and wealth!

I remember the first macabre sight on the day of my arrival in Bombay which still haunts my mind; seeing a frail vagrant struggling to find food from a stinking garbage dump along with a dog, cow, a crow and the biggest rat I had ever seen in my life! That soul stirring sight was a great moment of epiphany for me!   

Bombay is like kaleidoscope! It magnificently alters the scene every second before you, as bits and pieces of life are reflected that shift and change, depending on where your focus is. Being a keen observer of life, I rarely miss stirring beautiful forms/images of everyday life. Even the routine life on a mundane fast paced day in this metropolis is immensely inspiring! The inhumanly crowded trains and the helpless travelers who almost appear immune to noise, smells and hardship, completely surrendering to their destiny makes one appreciate little things in life much better. 

A tiny house tumbling off a precipice, falling into a dark, unending abyss flaunting beautiful plants and pictures of Bollywood is reflection of quintessential Bombay sight. Amidst the blaring sounds, loud colours, the mass of faceless, stifling crowds, navigating through blurs of daily challenges of survival and amidst all the chaos sneaks divine fragrance of freshly bloomed flowers that signify hope/ new beginnings. From chic urbane locales, cultural places to secret, ancient hidden pockets/villages, Bombay has a lot to offer if you are willing, open and accepting of it. There is sharp contrast if you explore the city and see the less shiny innards beneath Bombay's shiny exterior and that is something I find very endearing.

It has been exactly a decade since we shifted to Bombay and there has never been a single day when I have not been awestruck by the spirit, energy and glaring contrasts of this amazing city! When I walk around the streets, the photographer in me searches for angles, and perspectives, the writer in me searches for the stories and the student of life in me searches for meaning in all that unfolds and the city always offers itself with open arms, as the ultimate Muse.

Bombay has given me so much! It has brought me closer to myself. I am fortunate to have a very blessed life but this city has made me realize my blessings and appreciate life more. It is impossible to escape ceaseless struggle of life around even from well cushioned comfort of luxury. It is unsettling to watch sea of people buzzing in and out of local trains, look at children as young as one beg on the traffic signals, come across a middle aged person who continues to struggle for that ultimate role in Bollywood even after decades or listen to the stirring tales of eunuchs if you have a moment and humanity to stop and notice their existence. It is fascinating to listen to so many rags to riches stories at almost every corner! 

It takes time to understand Bombay. There are immense pressures of rampant mayhem of urban living. We often admire realistic depiction of life in this metropolis that is romanticized in movies. But when one observes reality with such proximity, it is a different experience all together! To many, Bombay is a sardonic pastiche, a vicious cauldron of urban destitution where thousands of people migrate chasing an elusive dream of better opportunities, smitten by the swanky silhouettes.

Despite all the challenges, Bombay grows on you. There is something incredibly old and yet vibrantly alive about this city that is difficult to define. If you just stop for a moment you become part of the chaotic cacophony and can feel the pulse of the city. The nonchalant way people go about their struggle everyday and the way they take chaos around them in their stride is truly inspirational!

The eternal nomad in me keeps warning me that it is not right to be attached to any one place and that I should be as happy living anywhere under the Sun but I know deep down, I have completely surrendered to the seduction Bombay has so subtly cast upon me. 

I have no shame in admitting, I am truly, deeply and madly in love with this fascinating city of Bombay, my muse, meri jaan! 

Minding my mind

"The soul always knows what to do to heal itself. The challenge is to silence the mind" - Caroline Myss 

My friends and relatives have started complaining (again! phew!) that I have become invisible. Well, I can’t blame them. Off lately, I have consciously cut off myself from social circuit, more out of choice than any compulsion. And to tell you the truth, I love the experience. I hope they understand that I love them all and take it as one of my many whims that they always laugh at!  (I know, I am in for a big trouble, once I am out of this "phase"!) 

  

There comes a point in life when one must learn to draw a line and decide whether it is worth consuming everything from the constant high drama of life that surrounds us. And how much of it one is willing to take or deserves our attention. The constant chaos caused by never ending duties, needs, demands expectations can become exhausting and mind numbing. I have realized, few things;

1) Our minds control our life.

2) Mind matters and it is important for health and happiness. 

3) It is very important to watch out what we feed our minds.

4) One of the greatest gifts is the ability to shun the cerebral noise. 

Forgive me if I come across as too philosophical today. These days, I make conscious efforts to be aware of where and how easily my mind gets distracted and the realization is shocking! In fact, my mind intrigues me with getting consumed by things that are not important, relevant or connected to me in anyway and yet it is ticking nonstop! The big dent to the ego that really hurts badly is the knowledge in realizing we are not as smart in minding our own mind as we conveniently presume ourselves to be!

I know, It is time to for some stillness in life and it needs lot of hard work and patience!  

I guess, it is time to sit at my favourite Zen corner in our house and meditate. Or perhaps, just sit quietly without doing anything. Anything at all! Or even better, go to Pondicherry, stay there for few days, alone! Is the universe listening? I badly need it, can it make it happen ? Please?   

"Silence allows you to watch your mind and become aware of the thoughts that you may be acting on unconsciously. When you see the thoughts, you can make a conscious choice to act on the thought or change your mind, instead of going along with the noise. I have seen people who don't want to look at themselves keep going until something happens that makes them stop — a sickness or an accident — but it gives them that reflective, quiet space where they can face what is difficult in their mind. We each have a unique purpose to fulfill in this life and inklings can come in those quiet moments."

 ~Swami Radhananda 

  

The Indian election campaign tamasha, cacophony of many a roars!

Finally, voting for the Lok Sabha elections 2014 has concluded and it is such a relief to have some respite from high decibel poll campaigns that India has witnessed since last few months! 

India certainly needs a positive change from a weak government that failed to value its mandate and vote of confidence. 

Past few months have been great learning for me in understanding India and its people much better, thanks to political campaigns. My observations have left me deeply shocked and worried. 

We as nation are cacophony of many a roars. The election campaigns in India in past few months have been nothing more than slugfest; mudslinging at other political parties at deafening decibel levels sounding ominous without slightest hint at wellbeing of Nation or real issues that truly matter. I am deeply shocked by the unequivocal aggression that is omnipresent and does not tolerate any conflicting view other than which is being subscribed to and rammed down others' throat as monolith through campaign speeches that are often crude and violent in nature and lack civility completely! The political campaigns which were being showcased 24/7 with high TRP ratings on news channels are now taken over by exit polls. These programmes sound similar featuring same people and they leave the viewer exhausted, bewildered and disillusioned.

It is so convenient to blame political party/government/system for the mess we as Nation are in today but we blissfully forget our contribution towards it for the sake of our selfish needs and compulsions. It is tragic to find blatant rudeness and vitriol among people when it comes to supporting political parties of their choice. Unfortunately the thin veneers of superficial etiquettes don’t hide truth of brash insolence for long. There is a way to express irreverence which requires finesse and informed manner else it becomes too obvious what the real game is all about. It is difficult to believe vitriol on social networking sites posted by supporters of various political groups. Suddenly, there is a new breed I see emerging; the arm chair philosophers whose sole purpose is to create their own "brands" by saying things that lack proper research and create sensation showing complete disregard for judiciary and constitution! I have realized this is becoming the new dope for many people these days. 

For any democracy, it is very important to have more voices out in open to question with erudite judgment as to what is wrong with its system and participate to create necessary change and awareness. Instead, we as people have been engrossed with mudslinging rants along with media on jugglery of numbers, argued and fought with high decibel exchanges! I am really shocked by cynical views most of us seem to subscribe to these days. It is time for reconciliation on our blunders of epic proportion that made our country suffer dearly. Patriotism is not about temporary titillation of acrimonious acts of rancour. The onus is all the more on educated class, the enlightened minority to do something constructive about it instead of posting messages of hatred and spread negativity. 

As the 16^th of May drives closer and as India turns a new leaf in history of politics, I hope we, as Nation don't get driven by regressive politics of caste and creed. It is time for us to write a new narrative with vocabulary that addresses and accommodates issues that truly matter to Nation. I hope and fervently pray that the new government wears the mantle with great responsibility, humility and wisdom and takes a path of peace, growth and prosperity and makes it presence felt world over by reinstating itself with vigour and atone all the bad karma of Indian politics. Am I asking for too much? Can't help it! I am insanely optimistic!    

Happy happy I am !

I feel like hugging every person that crosses my path today! Literally!

You know that feeling, when life goes on “normally” and you get happily comfortable in careless stupor and suddenly some prodigious surprises are thrown in sweeping you off your feet!

Hmmm...How do I describe this emotion? It is like that immense joy you experience, when you go shopping, buy those super sexy stilettos/ a chic handbag and visualize yourself enjoying envious looks coming your way or walk into your favourite jewelry store and end up buying a big solitaire ring? Or, on a mundane day just when you are struggling to decide the menu for the supper you receive an invitation to a party? Or just when you are deeply thinking whether you would ever understand your teenage son truly, he comes and pecks a kiss on your forehead and says, "Love you mom. What would I do without you?"! Yeah, that kind of frenzied happy feeling is surging in every single pore right now and I don’t remember its source!

Was it meeting Jyoti, (one of the street kids I have be-friended) darting in  my direction  amidst the scary traffic, making me stop and gifting me a bunch of stunningly beautiful roses and proudly telling me, “Didi, I have stopped begging. Now I work and earn my own money! 

Was it that beautiful conversation with someone I have met in recent months in formal environment and every time we meet, I can feel a great connection and I see it heading in the direction of a beautiful friendship. 

Was it my visit to the spa, one of my favourite indulgences? Was it me blushing and being happy looking at my reflection in the mirror (don’t be a spoilsport by calling me a Narcissist)? Was it some song that triggered crinkled notes from many a whispering pages of sublime laughter and enchanting moments? Was it holding a newborn in my arms and FEEL divinity when he smiled at me?

Whatever the reason may be, I know it doesn't matter. I have a tempting longing to share this joy with someone who would be as happy to be part of these moments. I wish I could call someone. And I know, the conversation can go on and on but my coy self reminds me I can’t call. Not at this hour! So yeah, let my happiness be a little shy. Let this exuberance have a tinge of sweet yearning!  

Looking at those elegant roses Jyoti gave me, I realize the petals would slowly start wilting and they may not remain as gorgeous maybe day after tomorrow. But they would still look beautiful with dignity of age and maturity of knowing that life was lived well. There is beauty in enjoying this moment that is going to last a little longer through subtle fragrance that would keep wafting even after all the roses have dried up. The heady fragrance and immense joy this day has brought me are going to be etched in my heart forever.

"Kaapi" on a languid Sunday

There is nothing more beautiful than starting your Sunday with the divine aroma emanating from freshly ground coffee beans wafting in air and freshly cooked, South Indian, vegetarian breakfast served on your table. Breakfast for me, is THE MOST important and elaborate meal of the day and unless I relish my "king size" breakfast spread, it is impossible to be awake for the day and get back to my spirits. 

Yesterday, for a change when I did not have to answer the most irritating question that starts my every single day, "what do we have for breakfast?" I knew there was some surprise in store. (Imagine waking up to the beautiful, quiet morning and just when you are thanking Almighty for the new day, the people around give you that typical look as if they are on verge of collapse if not served food immediately and you realize God must wait and helplessly disappear in labyrinth of demands and never ending duties!) Once in a while hubby earns brownie points with lovely surprises that calm my fraying nerves. He knows my weakness for a GOOD coffee and nothing can beat the filter coffee on a languid Sunday morning!  

Yesterday, we went to one of our favourite no frills, Udupi restaurants, Madras café at Matunga circle braving the frenzied traffic and like always, absolutely loved the experience!

There are a very few places left in Bombay that have survived onslaught of fast changing eating habits and tastes. Madras café is one of those places that are testimony to the fact that South Indians once ruled Matunga. The variety, quality and consistency of the food here is absolutely delectable but to enjoy that one must be willing to wait in long queue that consists of an interesting mix of morning walkers, joggers, known names from theatre, advertising and corporate world of the city. 

For me, the "kaapi" at Madras café is un-disputedly, the best filter coffee in Bomabay! The elaborate ritual of drinking the quintessential kaapi requires one to pour the coffee from one steel container to another till the sugar dissolves, leaving a frothy layer on top and relishing every sip without worrying about well heeled patrons waiting patiently outside the restaurant is quite an experience! 

With the core ethnicity of most Udupi restaurants wearing away with fast pace each passing day, the experience of watching life here makes you want to hold on to what is still left. There are ample enduring images of life when one looks around and sees waiters working for years with trademark napkins around their shoulders and tiny pencils behind their ears, hurriedly serving your order and before you even thank them, they disappear leaving you completely amazed!

There is something phenomenally beautiful about a cup of kaapi at Udupi restaurant. Agreed, it does not have the glitter and glamour of the new coffee shop brands but it still has old world charm that is rare to find in this bulging metropolis! 

The sign board boats its "finest" South Indian coffee

The famous "Upma pudi"

Filter coffee

Ready pickles for sale

Mouth watering snacks

A cultural touch just outside the restaurant, a team of street performers