‘Mumbai attracts people from all over’

Even while there are many who would prefer to settle down in other cities, there are those who love Mumbai so passionately, they wouldn’t live anywhere else in the world.

According to the Quality of Life survey, overall, two-third of adults in the city believe that money and professionalism makes this city worth living. Mumbai’s standing as the heart of Bollywood is also a big attraction.

Veteran ad man Prahlad Kakkar agrees. “Mumbai attracts professionals from all over the country. One might be the best chef in Hyderabad, the best IT professional in Bangalore but unless you make it big in Mumbai, other accolades don’t matter. Mumbai gives people recognition. We are willing to pay a premium as here the competition is between the experts. We are a business city, very professional and reliable and we refuse to do a job unless we cannot deliver.”

Indeed, for many there’s more to the city than just fame. Sohini Mitter, an editorial consultant originally from Kolkata, says, “The much-talked about ‘spirit of Mumbai’ does exist. I can feel it in every soul on the streets of the city. The cosmopolitan nature and vibrant co-existence of people from all over India delights me. Not even for a moment do I feel like an ‘outsider’ here.”

Mandar Lad who is an administrative executive, adds, “I have travelled to most cities in India but there’s nothing like Mumbai. I would never want to move. I am used to living in the fast pace of the city and the neighbourhood is like one huge family. There’s corruption and pot-holed roads, but I wouldn’t want to move to any city even if I’m sponsored for a lifetime.”