On Writing

The best of authors are those that make you want to write - my feelings while reading Americanah

Bombay Tales

Many different images come to mind when we think of Bombay : the touristy images of Marine Drive, the commercialised temples, the common man of the city, and so on. And yet, there is hardly any mention of the youngish, semi-rich urban middle class that fills the city's casual dining restaurants and theatres on a Saturday evening; the ones who religiously post (instagrammed) images of their latest foreign trip on Facebook, and then slog in office for long hours on weekdays to compensate.

Being a part of this community is amazingly liberating, and yet challenging. There is, of course, all the fun associated with earning more than you can spend, but then there is also the downside of spending endless hours trying to navigate the serepentine traffic jams that are a hallmark of the city. There is the joy of having left behind your rural/ semi urban home to create a new identity in a brand new city, but also the pain of no longer being in touch with your roots. Bombay has it all.

Most of us millenials are hyper achievers trying to outdo each other at everything, right from finding the best groom/ bride, to landing the coolest job and buying the most sophisticated furniture. In many ways, we are so different from all previous generations of our family, and yet, we are so similar. Who would have thought the desire to outdo the neighbourhood Sharmaji was inheritable?