Desi Mumbai
Inspired by the Spirit of Mumbai
There's truly no other city like Aamchi Mumbai (मुंबई/ Bombay). While we might all agree that Bangalore has the best weather and Delhi wins for food, Mumbai evokes a personal story from each one of us. It's a city of contrasts—hosting the most billionaires and the most slums, embodying both extreme glamour and relentless hard work. But it belongs to everyone equally. The moment you land in the city, it sweeps you up with its speed, scale, and energy. From the distinct Pantone Gray 10 C of its concrete jungle to the unique creek and fish smell that wafts through its streets, 'Spirit of Mumbai' is a heady blend of all these elements. In just five minutes, you find yourself on a high, feeling invincible as you navigate the giant supermarket aisles that seem to sell beautifully packaged possibilities and dreams.
Mumbai is truly the city of dreams. I've been visiting Mumbai for the past 30 years, and every single visit feels like the city is still downloading, constantly evolving, and always a work in progress. It's this perpetual state of flux that makes Mumbai so intoxicating and magnetic. No matter how much it changes, it remains the same—forever unfinished, yet always complete in its chaotic splendour. So whether you're weaving through the bustling local trains or marvelling at the towering skyscrapers, Mumbai has a way of making you feel like you're part of something grand and timeless.
My memories of Mumbai vary from my first childhood visit and fish markets, the excitement of sitting on the front row of a double-decker top deck, and later as a student walking on Abdul Rehman Street managing merchandise for a college event along with acquiring the skill of getting on and off crowded local.
Later in Titan days, Bandra became my Bombay address and Carter Road became my platform of expression. Early 2000s, I designed an outdoor clock sculpture inspired by sail and much later Bat of Honour installation for Sachin Tendulkar put me back on Carter Road. The unforgettable view from the flight of blue covers the expanse of Dharavi later became the book cover for Rashmi Bansal's book cover.
पुढे चला
I See Desi.
I See Design