Books that will make you fall in love with Mumbai

Think Mumbai and you’re likely to visualise something akin to a time-lapse video of crores of Mumbaikars brisk-walking through the bustling streets of the city, a local train, and the ocean. You’re not wrong. But Mumbai goes beyond its vibrancy, the city’s on-the-go nature and the lingering presence of the sea. Mumbai tells a story—in every nook, in every corner, in every train compartment. The city can be difficult to deal with, replete in its flaws but it appears entirely impossible to not fall in love with it (Think Geeta Dutt and Mohammad Rafi’s 1956 iconic number, Yeh hain Bombay meri jaan). With a conflation of cultures and years of history, Mumbai has a lot to offer. Bazaar India curated a list of not-so-run of-the-mill books that give you a glimpse into a Mumbai that few are privy to. These are stories that will leave you feeling warm, nostalgic, and emotional—even for those who are a stranger to the maximum city. 

Bombay Meri Jaan: Writings on Mumbai 

Edited by author Jerry Pinto and writer Naresh Fernandes, Bombay Meri Jaan is a collection of prose, poetry and essays by the likes of Salman Rushdie, Dilip Chitre, Saadat Hasan Manto and Khushwant Singh among many others. The book, much like the city itself gives the reader a glimpse into the maze of high-rise buildings that overlook the slums, the bhelpuri walas and fine dining restaurants, the threats of the underworld, the big, bad world of Bollywood and the city’s iconic cinema halls, and the forever-on-the-move spirit of the Mumbaikars despite the monsoon floods, all of which somehow have co-existed to make the city what it is. 

Bombay Balchao by Jane Borges 

This historical fictional novel takes us back to 19th century Bombay that marked the arrival of the Goan and Mangalorean community in the city. These catholic communities built their homes within safe distances to the churches and families encouraging the younger generations onto a path of godliness and procreation. Bombay Balchao follows the intertwining stories of ordinary people of the community—of teenage romances, an undying faith in the Lord, life-changing events and more. The book is a glimpse into the often stereotyped catholic community of Mumbai that will leave you with laughter, tears, and everything in between. 

Postcards from Bombay by Jerry Pinto

Yes, it's as romantic and poetic as it sounds, Postcards from Bombay, by Bombay boy, Jerry Pinto, traces the history and culture of the people of Bombay that continue to arrive in the city of dreams. The read will leave you with a hint of nostalgia, smiles, and a deeper understanding of why Mumbai will always be home to anyone and everyone who comes here.  

Let me say it now by Rakesh Maria 

A personal favourite, Let me say it now by former Commissioner of Police, Rakesh Maria takes us beyond the romanticised notions of Bombay. The autobiography takes us through the life of a police officer during a constantly changing political and social landscape of the city. From the underworld era of the ’80 and 90’s and communal riots a little after, to receiving death threats being in the midst of serial bomb blasts, to being in the control room during the terrorist attacks of 26/11—Rakesh Maria’s journey is goose bump-invoking and inspiring at the very least. The book makes you fall in love with Mumbai’s resilience against all odds, and its people who never stop fighting for the city they love. 

The opium of time by Sunhil Sippy 

Filmmaker, Sunhil Sippy’s The Opium of Time is a photobook with over hundred monochromatic pictures that capture Mumbai in all its glory. The photographs that cover the length and breadth of the city, feature often visited haunts such as Marine Drive with a new lens and a fresh perspective. The photos take the reader through Mumbai’s unforgettable monsoons, plus, Ganesh Visarjans to Worli’s koliwada and Dhobi Talao’s Edward theatre. The pictures are coupled with poetry by Ankur Tewari and diary entries by Sippy himself. Read this for a little more than just a glimpse into Bombay.