Euphoric Mumbaikars spilled onto the streets and partied like never before late on Saturday night after India won the World Cup.
Euphoric Mumbaikars spilled onto the streets and partied like never before late on Saturday night after India won the World Cup.
Jubilant citizens on motorbikes and in cars took to the streets, screaming and waving the national flag. Some sat or even danced on the roofs of cars. Those on foot hugged strangers and stopped passing cars to distribute sweets. Kids who were not carrying the Indian flag requested passersby to lend them theirs, which they did willingly. Inspirational Bollywood numbers like ‘Chak De India’ blared from music systems.
“We do not see so many people bursting crackers even on Diwali,” said Tanvi Ajmera, a resident of Marine Drive, the epicentre of all celebrations. “It felt great to be part of Mumbai’s greatest street party ever,” said collegian Rahul Lambah as he broke into a jig in the middle of a crowded street in Andheri.
Those who witnessed history in the making at Wankhede Stadium could not stop talking about the experience. “What a historic moment it was,” said actor Vivek Oberoi. “The victory lap was just incredible. I had tears in my eyes, looking at Sachin get emotional.”
Superstar Amitabh Bachchan, who generally does not watch an India match since he is superstitious about the country losing if he does, not only watched the game on TV but also hit the streets. The Bachchans were spotted doing a ‘victory lap’ around their bungalow. “It was madness outside and felt like we had just won our independence,” said Big B. “Abhishek, Aishwarya and I sat on the top of the car, waving the tricolour,” he added. Aishwarya said, “We were delirious with joy and screamed ourselves hoarse.”
Bollywood stalwart Dev Anand said: “I was glued to the TV. The Indian team has done us proud.” Calling what happened on Saturday a “mini-celebration”, he said that he was hoping to make up for it on Sunday.
After late-night celebrations, Marine Drive outside Wankhede Stadium was a quiet place on Sunday morning. There were fewer people going for walks and fewer cars than usual on the road. However, this only felt like a brief lull before another round of revellery.
“Will there be a victory parade — like the one after India won the T20 World Cup?” wondered Dhara Jhaveri, a resident. “It will be nice if the team comes in an open bus the way it did the last time,” said Nikhil Banker, a reveller.
The party will continue over the weekend, as Monday, too, is a holiday for Gudi Padva. “The timing couldn’t be more perfect. With the World Cup coming home during the long weekend, we have more time to party and celebrate,” said bank employee Nivedita Sharma, who is spending the weekend at a farmhouse in Alibaug.
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