I've always wanted to talk about the Delhi vs Mumbai rivalry, but I haven't really & I think today would be a brilliant day to write about this. I've never really been an aggressive Mumbai hater, reserving my comments on the city till I actually knew a little bit about it. This year I got to live in the city for 3.5 months, so now I can write a credible comparison. Here goes.
First off, I find the comparison really absurd because you can't really compare Delhi to other Indian cities anymore. As far as infrastructure and life goes, the recent development in Delhi has quite literally given us the Nitromethane button in the metropolitan city race. Can't touch this. I don't just mean the legendary wide roads and metro, we also have the kick-ass low-floored buses, a huge green cover, better houses, schools and universities.
Secondly, the crowd. I get that you might stereotype and dislike us as the 'tu jaanta nai mera baap kaun hai' again & again at your stand-up comedy routines but really, that makes your cities' crowd no better. No, really. Pyjamas and hawai chappals are no retort for OTT. I understand that maybe we shouldn't wear pearls to Barista but you shouldn't be at parties in boxers. I've seen this and its really not pretty. You guys are the anti-Delhi. Mumbai is a city of lonesome hipsters cradling laptops at tiny cafes feeling very French, but its so not working out, you guys. Meanwhile, Delhi proudly stays true to its rustic Jat/Bhangra soul. And its okay if that's not your type.
Thirdly, Delhi Girls v Bombay Girls: Bombay Girls isn't a thing. Bombay has girls, but there is no concept of 'Bombay Girls'. There's the Mumbai Sea-face. That's a concept. Vada Pao is a concept. Bombay Girls isn't.
Also, food. I could start but then this blogpost would go in to whole another area so lets just not bring up Delhi's gourmet brilliance.
The spirit of Delhi doesn't need to be spoken about because we just take it for granted that Delhiites are sufficiently spirited and spirited, through thick and thin. Whenever I land back home, I get out of the aircraft and my heart does a little "Fuck Yeah. This is awesome" routine.
If you grew up in Delhi, you probably know that what dialogue won't solve, a backhand slap will. It may not be pretty, but its true. Its a legitimate solution and it works. If you grew up in Delhi, you're probably not into theatre but know that we have the best theatre scene in the country. If you grew up in Delhi, you probably know how to rock that backless dress in zero degrees on New Years Eve. If you grew up in Delhi, you're probably quite a freaking rockstar.
When I moved to the hostel, people would tell me "You're from Delhi aren't you? And I'd say "Yes! but how do you know?" One guy said, "Its everything. Its the way you talk. The way you dress. The way you walk."
Yes, we give precedence to our hearts over our heads but then the first 3 letters in Dilli literally translate to heart. You can't blame us.
A very sorted comparison, not like the usual rants! And the best line - "I understand that maybe we shouldn't wear pearls to Barista but you shouldn't be at parties in boxers." hahaha so true!
ReplyDeleteWhy, thank you :D
ReplyDeleteWhat a lovely, concise sketch on Delhi. Although, I would have loved to see little more written about the city but as you said, one blogpost wont be enough if we started with the praises.
ReplyDeleteKeep it up and good luck for the future! :)
I loved what you wrote, and thought you might enjoy reading this: http://whendowegetthereandwhatdoweeat.blogspot.com/2011/12/busting-some-wedding-myths.html
ReplyDeletethanks!
@Sakshi- Thank you very much for the kind words. I will try my best to keep it up. :)
ReplyDelete@Ikasha- Glad you enjoyed it. Will definitely have a look at the link.
Thank you for commenting :)
To add to this...bombay's 2BHKs..which are more like service quarters on our side..
ReplyDeletebut..I still think that night life is far more comfy in Bombay..
Yes, agreement. Its a far safer and happier place to be at, during night time.
ReplyDeletethat is why I love the city. My company anyways bought my day hours ..
ReplyDeletebtw ... have name/link form of commenting enabled in your blog. I just saw that this comment publishes my pic which is like ages old. I ain't a kid now .. :P
ReplyDeletehey i dont know you, but this is seriously awesome. exactly same things i have been dealing with for a year now, studied in delhi, staying in mumbai now and dealing with wars everyday. this is the ultimate answer i have been desperately seeking!
ReplyDeleteHahaha, thank you. Now you have necessary ammo in these arguments. Win!
DeleteAgree with each and every word.
ReplyDeleteVery well written. Loved the last part.
Thank you Wonderstruck :)
Deleteoye bale balle. mast likha hai. dilli all the way!
ReplyDeleteCould I get past the "Its okay if its not your types" "It may not be pretty but its true" and the punch line, you've never really been an aggressive Mumbai hater but you decided you would be anyway.
ReplyDeleteThese things just make it a one-sided comparison and a belittling blogpost on superficial and half-hearted facts.
I could probably turn it around and write a pro-Mumbai anti-Delhi post with your "probably not your scene" type celebration of stereotypes.
Mumbai is willing to blend in new people who aren't jats or hipshter. Its the obvious choice for an outsider looking for a home. Its spirit could hardly be gauzed with a 3.5 month stay. Maybe if you do come next time, go to a real party and not a college one where shorts are the obvious choice in a humid climate! Perhaps you'd change your mind about your opinion that infrastructure and backless-dress trotting women make for a better city (not that it doesn't help).
Anyway, peace.