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Italians praise Mumbai & its curious denizens

From pasta to wada pav, from the leaning tower of Pisa to the Gateway of India, from Fendi to Fabindia, the Festa Italiana is bringing together Italians and Indians like never before.

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During Festa Italiana, DNA caught up with a few Italian expatriates, and asked them what they love about the city

From pasta to wada pav, from the leaning tower of Pisa to the Gateway of India, from Fendi to Fabindia, the Festa Italiana is bringing together Italians and Indians like never before. And for Italian expatriates in the city, it's a chance to go home without actually getting on a plane.

"Staying in India has been quite an experience," says Zaccheo Manzoni, MD, Safilo India. Manzoni came to India in January, 2007, and has since visited the four corners of the country.

Stefano Checchin first visited India in 2002 and fell in love with the country. He knew that India was "the" place for him to start his first job. "I learned Hindi and Persian in Italy, before coming to India," he says. Although Checchin, who is the representative of Italy for the Venice Port Trust, finds the city crowded, he says that he loves its "great nightlife".

The city's high-energy levels inspire Nicoletta Andreini, training specialist, Four Seasons Hotel. "Mumbai is very multi-cultural, and I just can't imagine staying in any Indian city, other than Mumbai," she says.

Fabio Luchproni, representative, Uni Credit Banca Di Roma, likes the curiosity inherent to most Mumbaikars. "People here always want to know more about different cultures," he says, with a smile. 

But it is the family values, shared by both Indians and Italians, that Luchproni and Andreini cherish. And then, of course, there's the food. "I love Veg Pulav, it is simple, but very tasty," says Manzoni. Reshmi Kebabs are a hit with Andreini and Checchin, while Luchproni loves our Tandoori dishes.

As for the things they don't like about the city; it's the traffic.

Whatever their likes and dislikes, the one thing they share is their love for Mumbai. And it's the city's energy and vibrancy that keeps these Italians going.

‘Italians are hot-blooded, like Indians’

Festa Italiana kicked-off on November 4 in Mumbai. DNA spoke to Sergio Sgambato, secretary general, Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry to find out what the event hopes to achieve

What is the aim behind Festa Italiana?
Festa Italiana is the Indo-Italian Chamber of Commerce and Industry's flagship event, organised with the intention of bringing the best of 'Made in Italy' to India, across sectors. The purpose of the event is to promote Italian business and culture and use this as a tool to eventually strengthen Indo-Italian trade.

What has the response been to the event?
The response to the last six editions of Festa Italiana has been very strong. Last year we had over 60,000 people attend the events, across the country. This year, we have brought something new to the Indian businessman and consumer — Vetrina Italiana, our Italian exhibition at the Nehru Centre, Mumbai which is on till November 9.

What are the similarities between Indian and Italian cultures?

Italy and India are very similar, in that they are both countries with ancient histories and strong cultures rooted in academia.  There is a love and respect for knowledge, creativity, science and technology that is shared by Italians and Indians alike. I must also emphasise how Italians and Indians are both passionate about their own food! The people of both countries are very social and family-oriented. Being hot-blooded, Italians and Indians can easily identify with one another!
a_vishakha@dnaindia.net

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