A city of stories & storeys

A chronicle of not just the history of Mumbai, but its chaotic present as well

- MADAN SABNAVIS

MUMBAI IS THE financial capital of India and probably the biggest attraction for youth looking for a living. But has one stopped to study and observe the city? Delhi as a city has a lot of historical significance, which has been brought into focus extensively through literature and art. But that kind of attention is missing for Mumbai. It is here that Sidharth Bhatia makes a mark with his brilliant book, Mumbai: A Million Islands.

The 'million islands' suffix is interesting as this a narrative about various sights in the city. Mumbai is endless in terms of the stories that can be told, and this holds true for its culture as well. The history of the city is not just of a homogenous entity, but that of several islands which shape what the city is today.

Balancing the present with the past, the author gives the reader a feel of both simultaneously as we turn the pages. Several thought-provoking points are made by the author in the book. For instance, he starts off by talking of 'Mumbai is upgrading', which is something one sees in the construction work of bridges, coastal roads and metro lines all across the city, something that is a continuous process. These have been pain points for citizens who have borne the brunt for years. There is a distinct tilt towards the rich, the author conveys, as seen by the luxury residential complexes that have come up, or the ostentatious structures in Bandra Kurla Complex.