Wednesday, April 3, 2013

The Chaiwalas of Mumbai

Bombay or Mumbai as it is now known has seen many changes in the past couple of years. But there are some things that will always spell Mumbai. Some of them have survived the onset of pop culture and the westernization that has influenced our city. The chaiwala found on almost every street corner today is one of those things.



Chaiwalas are mainly people who prepare and sell tea on the extensive streets of Mumbai or on small street side shops. These chaiwalas tend to come from different parts of India and tend to set up shops in various areas frequented by tired and famished crowds. In Mumbai the chaiwalas are also seen on their bicycles especially during the night hours. These chaiwalas are a lifeline for workers, students and harried office goers who often stop by these stalls for a quick pick-me-up. Chaiwalas usually serve tea in small glasses or unglazed clay cups but in recent years they have started to serve tea in plastic cups. Hot ginger chai served with crispy biscuits are just what you need to perk you right up. Also since they cost about ten rupees with about five rupees for the large cookie-like biscuits, it is always easy on the wallet.

Chaiwalas like the legendary dabawalla or the vada pav shop on the street makes up the rich legacy and history of amchi Mumbai. But now suffering from stiff competition from cafes and coffee shops found almost everywhere as well as the question of hygiene and health the chaiwalas of our city are on the decline. But luckily there are always people who refuse to shell out a hundred bucks for fancy coffee and still depend on the reliable chaiwala from down the street for their daily cup of good old adrak wali chai.




Friday, March 29, 2013

Footpaths

Footpath is a trail one walks on everyday but never actually
ponder upon what actually goes onto creating a legacy that it is. Stepping
on cracks to pass time, sitting on them with friends because standing is
boring. Footpath bears a lot of fruits in Mumbai’s underbelly, its
reclaimed land and its hip SoBo lanes.

From early dawn, idli and poha walas with their carts and boxes walk across
it setting up their wares for the early morning crowd who relish the
pleasure of a bit of hot food before going to work.
Some go to the Vada Pav wala too if there is dislike for the McDonald’s
cheap morning McMuffin. Picking up the crisp dailies of Times Of India with
a free Mumbai Mirror, the cosmopolitan working class of Mumbai is ready to
go work for the biggies of the world and the rich hordes of expensively
dressed joggers and aunties with their pallus tightened make their daily
journey from one footpath to another gossiping about who Ranbir Kapoor
kissed.



Cows are tied to the streetlights and the trees on the pavement, defecating
as the sweepers clean the path for the day, clearing all the untidiness of
the autumn trees and evening hawkers.

Vendors set up their tea stalls on the footpath and start brewing their
well-loved tea, dropping some on the side walk, dogs sleeping on the
footpath slowly get shoved aside and wake up. Homeless people gather their
blankets and sit on the footpath near the vendors for their morning
nourishment, once fed and happy they beg for wares from their shining
offices, the footpath.

Taxi drivers drop off people who've returned home, banging their bags on
the footpath they smile, having reached home. Pipelines puncture the newly
furbished interlocking cheap concrete footways because the BMC does not let
them stay intact for more than a month. Maybe they want people to
experience what plateau trekking is on the footpaths itself. Children walk
sleeping on it with their polished shoes towards the assigned bus stops,
often sliding their feet along, sometimes trying to skid, sometimes falling
down to get picked up by their worrying mums who don’t bother to change
their bowed nighties which bears the aroma of the child’s snack box and
dough marks on the fat-tiered belly. Some of those mothers also use those
paver blocks as a stand for their cooking utensil and the footpath being
their stove.

As the day takes its toll on the footpath it sees a horde of things it
usually does, every day the same thing but everyday something different.
The newspaper vendors are replaced by pirated video disk stalls selling the
latest movie cheaper than then popcorn.

After surviving the vagaries of weather and fickle footwear fashion for
over 70 years, the stones have disappeared from all but a couple of
footpaths in the past few years. Interlocking paver blocks that come off
within months of being laid have taken place of the Victorian Bombay stone
pavements.
For those that still exist, they are as sturdy as any other heritage
structure in Mumbai.

Life expectancy of a footpath has been decreasing.
Blame it on the stone, rain, cows, elephants, trees, garbage, homeless,
shanties, hawkers, hefty Mumbaikars, cars, birds, feaces, concrete, sound,
wind, Rakhi Sawant or even God.
Footpaths need attention, they need TRPs.

They’re there, almost everywhere, present and yet absent like the large
number of Mumbaikars that slowly and in their own way make Mumbai
their own.




Get your TUB of Popcorn and LARGE Coke

So one of the most awaited movie this year releasing in the later in May is, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani (This Youth Is Crazy), a Romantic movie, produced by the most influential director, Karan Johar, starring The Heartthrob Ranbir Kapoor & sizzling Deepika Padukone. It is hyped moreover because both these actors were an off screen couple & this Hot Jodi had a break up a few months back.



Naina (Deepika) is a studious girl & Bunny(Ranbir) is a carefree young travel show host, embarks on a journey with his friends, meets Naina, & eventually their journey leads them to the ultimate destination, “Love”.



Yeh Jawani Hai Deewani
Trailer : http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Rbp2XUSeUNE

National Award Winner for his debut film, Ayushman Khurana is coming up with another Romantic- Comedy film, Nautanki Saala along with Kunal Roy Kapoor, Evelyn Sharma, directed by Rohan Sippy & Abhishek Bachchan doing a cameo in this film.



Ram Parmar (Khurana) one night meets Mandar Lele (Kunal Roy Kapoor) who is lonely, it is a story of their bonding & friendship going through a comedy of errors.



Nautanki Saala
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7kzcO_MgpBE


And you think you are a stud? Go & get your tickets booked for this thriller Movie, Ek Thi Daayan (Once there was a witch) starring Emraan Hashmi which is expected to release in mid april. Ek Thi Daayan movie is a supernatural musical entertaining romantic thriller with an electrifying jolt at the end.



The movie revolves around the character Bobo (Hashmi), an India's leading magician. But unknown to even his girlfriend Tamara, Bobo's life is falling apart. His constant hallucinations leave him with no option but to seek psychiatric help.




Going through regression hypnosis, a terrifying story about his childhood surfaces involving a sinister power called Daayan who has not only destroyed his family but also promised to return to haunt Bobo.
Bobo is convinced that she is the daayan. But is she, really? Or is he just losing his mind?

Ek Thi Daayan
Trailer: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UN5Ss-EV_qc



Aamchi Mumbai Sexy

Mumbai or Bombay or Bambai(as it was known as fondly, formerly), is a city of contrasts. Steeped in historical heritage yet famously modern, home to millionaire business tycoons as well as the biggest slum in Asia, this city is a people’s party until dawn, and yet pray at day break. People say it is too crowded, too fast, too polluted…and yet Mumbai is still the choice of many.

For visitors, there will never be a dearth of interesting things to see and do on a fine day in Mumbai; though, to truly experience the city, you need to let go of any inhibitions you may have and just dive in!



Talking about Shopping, Mumbai is not only famous for the international renowned haute couture brands and labels, but is also home to frightfully cheap one-season wonders, intricate jewellery, antiques and textiles, boutiques and shopping malls that sell almost everything that a soul needs! The markets are exquisite and if you are good at bargaining, you can get items for half the price! Yeah, you read it right! So, In Mumbai, you can find the latest outfits, unique furniture, delicate brass work, exquisite paintings, home furnishings and so much more! There are many malls in Mumbai that not only comprises of shops but food courts and entertainment zones as well. A shopper's paradise, Mumbai is truly a great shopping destination for all!!
Markets (Bazaars)

Mumbai has several bazaars selling everything from fruits and “imported’ items, to antiques, clothes and shoes. At most of these bazaars do not be afraid to “bargain”. However, be beware of fake goods on offer.

Crawford Market: Mumbai’s oldest market, completed in 1869 in a blend of Flemish and Norman architectural styles, is the largest municipal market in Mumbai. One will find an odd mix of fruits, vegetables, imported food, household and cosmetic items, a pet store and even endangered species (sold illegally, of course).

Chor Bazaar (Thieves Market, literally): Locally known as the market for stolen goods, in Mumbai’s biggest flea market you will find rows of antique shops selling everything from Ming vases to colonial era lamps to art deco clocks. Victorian furniture and even old Bollywood posters are on display. Haggling is a mandatory shopping requirement; foreigners can find some amazing treasures at throw-away prices.



Street Stalls: There are many areas in Mumbai where the streets are lined with shops selling clothes, shoes and jewellery at reasonable prices. Fashion Street at Fort in South Mumbai and the suburb of Bandra (Hill Road and Linking Road) are famously known, and prices are quite reasonable.

High-End Boutiques
The high-end brands for fashion or household goods are generally located in shopping malls situated in South Mumbai or in-house shops at five-star hotels like Taj Mahal Hotel & Palace and The Trident. Indian designers generally have their stores on Peddar Road, Kemps Corner and Breach Candy locations in South Mumbai, and at Bandra or Juhu in the suburbs.

Malls
The number of malls in Mumbai has mushroomed in recent years. Phoenix Mills at Lower Parel and Atria Mall at Worli are two of the most prominent shopping meccas. The suburbs have a larger concentration of malls, like Infinity Mall, Oberoi Mall, Inorbit and Hypercity located at Malad.
Mumbai, a Shopping paradise, it is! Shop till you drop, yeah!



Pani Puri


The one chat (snack) of Mumbai that completely describes all the attributes of Mumbai would be "Pani-Puri" Its a spicy, colorful, tempting, crispy snack that makes you want to have more of it.

Pani-Puri is one of the most famous snacks found in Mumbai, there are many restaurants that serve Pani-Puri in a sophisticated fashion but the best type is found along the road side.



It was originated in the Hilly parts of Nepal, Bihar & Kolkata and it found it's way to Mumbai, Pani-Puri is know by various names in various parts of India like, Pani Ke Patashe in Haryana; Gol Gappa in New Delhi, Punjab, Haryana, Jharkhand, Bihar, and Madhya Pradesh. Pani ke bataashe / Patashi in Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh; Pani-Puri in Maharashtra (Mumbai and all the parts of Maharashtra), Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat(Mainly in Ahmedabad), Andhra; and is known as Pakodi in Gujarat.

In Mumbai the recipe is usually spicier in comparison to the other parts of India and contains boondi (Sprouts) in addition to other ingredients. Panipuris are also eaten with curd and different types of masalas such as onion, sev (a type of besan vermicelli without any spices & seasoning) (a fried snack shaped like thin noodles made from besan flour), and mixture (a mix of different types of fried snacks mixed together) or Bhujia along with available seasonal nuts, as the base of the snack.

Typically, 4–8 panipuris are served over a portion on a circular plate made from dry sal leaves. Some places offer panipuris prepared on a whole plate, but the popular way for them to be served is one-at-a-time from a roadside vendor. Customers hold a small plate or bowl (katori) and stand around the vendors cart. The server then starts making one panipuri at a time and gives one to each individual. Panipuri servers have to remember each customer's preferences such as sweetened pani, more filling or extra onions, for example. The server must keep count of how many panipuris each person has had.

Traditionally, panipuris are eaten by placing the entire puri into the mouth in one go and biting into it. This releases a barrage of tastes and textures. Panipuris may be finished off with a cup of the pani, sweetened or made tarter to taste.

Just like Cricket and Bollywood, Pani-Puri also is one of the many crazes of Mumbaikars.

If you don't have a sharp ringing sensation in your ears while you stuff your mouth with Pani-Puri, you haven't enjoyed it at all XD

Pani-Puri nahi khaya toh kya khaya?! :P




Life in Mumbai


What are the first things that come to our mind when we think of Mumbai?? Maybe the local trains, the crowd, the hustle bustle and the never ending rat race. But a true Mumbaikar knows that Mumbai’s definition is way beyond that. Mumbai from a romantic’s point of view would appear stunning…..

It comprises of the fusion of cultures, the mystic monsoons, lazy sunsets at the sea shore, the never-ending night life and the innumerable dreams that each Mumbaikar possesses. From the young heart to the aging one, from the rich to the poor, everyone has a dream and Mumbai is the medium of fulfillment.

At the first look what strikes most people is the population here. But what they tend to overlook is the unity with which Mumbaikars spend each day. One can never get lost in Mumbai as people around you will always be glad to help you with directions.
For daily commuters the local train and bus networks come as a boon. Their execution is truly fascinating as their cover the entire span of the city with such ease. People may have a hard time finding a seat on the train, but that doesn’t restrict them from making friends, sharing ideas and knowledge during the short span of their journey. It’s all a large well-knit family.



For foodies, the small roadside stalls are a paradise. Khao galli had some mouthwatering pao bhaji to offer where as Bade Miyan is a treat for non-veg lovers. Food brings me to one of the best run services in our city, the famous “dabbawallah” network. More than 175,000 to 200,000 lunch boxes get moved every day by an estimated 4,500 to 5,000 dabbawallahs, all with an extremely small nominal fee and with utmost punctuality. Once you hire a dabbawallah be assured that you will receive your lunch, smoking hot, straight from the kitchen at lunchtime everyday.

Coming to hang-outs, an enthusiast will never run out of places to visit. Cafes, restaurants and clubs are common but to taste the true essence of Mumbai, there is no better place than the sea shore. There are multiple options for that too. The Juhu chowpatty and Girgaum chowpatty are a major tourist attraction and are bustling with people, whereas Aksa beach, Marine drive, Bandra bandstand and Carters road are quieter and provide ample space for reflection. Madh Island is lined by beaches too and is a perfect weekend getaway.

Lastly, my personal favourite is the Mumbai Monsoon. The first rain hitting your face dispelling the scorching heat comes as a pleasant relief. One can easily be lost to the charm of Mumbai monsoon. It brings with itself a sense of retrospection and brings out all pent up feelings. Not only does it portray Mumbai in all its grandeur but also lets one spend quality time with self.

Do come and indulge in Monsoon rains along with “Ek vada pao cutting chai”…….

Friday, March 22, 2013

KA-KA-KARAOKEEEEE LIKE PARA- PARA - PARADISE

What’s one thing that trainees know about AIESEC in Mumbai even before they come here?
What’s the one event that our ENTIRE LOCAL COMMITTEE is always up for?
It’s got to be the Karaoke Nights!!
Every Wednesday, AIESEC in Mumbai, holds a Karaoke Night for its members and the trainees who have come down to Mumbai for their internship at Three Wise Monkeys, Khar.
Three Wise Monkeys, the most conveniently located and the dark ambience along with the woody touch really catches your attention. Also, with the reasonably priced liquor, ONE SIMPLY DOES NOT NEED MORE!



The Karaoke Night is a diversified event with members getting a chance to meet, interact and spend a jovial time with the International Interns.
AIESEC in Mumbai provides this unique opportunity for the interns to know more about the AIESEC happenings - current events, updates, pick-ups, house parties, festivals….well WHAT NOT!
Apart from being the oldest Local Committee in India, AIESEC in Mumbai is known for its peculiar deliveries which they provide to these interns.
Definitely an evening you’ll cherish, one you’ll not want to miss out on AT ANY COST!