What is normal in Mumbai, but weird in other places?

 Few Random facts

1. People mind their business.
2. Girls can roam in the city at midnight without worrying of safety.
3. Getting decent 1bhk in south Bombay even in budget of Rs 60–70k per month is a challenge.
4. Self discipline: People stand in queue on their own while waiting for taxi, bus and metro etc.
5. People love helping each other. Nobody sneaks into your business, but as soon as you ask for help, mumbaikar will go to any extent and help you.
6. Mumbai BMC budget is greater than the budget of several countries.
7. Wanna Celebrate- let's go to Marine Drive.
8. Feeling Sad- No worry, let's go to Marine Drive.
9. Wanna Peace- let's go to Marine Drive. In short- People Love Marine Drive.

Which Bollywood actor has a huge mansion in Mumbai?

 Almost every bollywood actors and actresses own huge and multiple houses from Salman Khan to Arjun Kapoor, from Kriti Sanon to Deepika Padukone. Here, are some famous mansions of bollywood stars-

●Nawazuddin Siddiqui's Nawab:

Recently, Nawazuddin Siddiqui has built himself an opulent new home in Mumbai. Nawaz has named his bungalow, located on Yari Road, ‘Nawab’ in the memory of his father. Approximately, the bungalow costs around Rs 12 Crore.

His hardwork pays off once he told to media “Today my bathroom is as big as the house I once lived in”.

●SRK's Mannat:

SRK bought the house in 2001 for Rs 13.32 crore. Currently valued at approx Rs 200 crore, Mannat is a constant on the Bollywood celebs most expensive homes. It is a 6-storey high, a sea-facing house that comes with its own gym, swimming pool, gaming room, walk-in wardrobe, a huge library and has been declared a heritage site.

Salman Khan was offered Mannat before Shah Rukh Khan but Salman's dad Salim Khan said: ' What you do alone in such big banglow?' so, he changed decision.

●Big B's Jalsa:

Amitabh Bachchan has five houses in Mumbai. But the one he resides in, Jalsa, is the most famous of all, where he has been living for more than three decades. However, this house was not built by him. It was a gift from director Sippy for his fabulous performance in Satte Pe Satta movie. The house is roughly valued between Rs 100 crore and Rs 120 crores.

Please, someone gift me banglows and expensive cars like Sippy sir gifted banglow to Big B 🤣

Are Mumbai Central and CST the same location?

 •No, Mumbai Central (MMCT) and Mumbai CST are not the same location, they are different stations in Mumbai.

•Mumbai Central is located near the Jagannath Shankar Sheth Metro Station and nearby area-Byculla, whereas Mumbai CST locates near Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Chowk, Wankhede Stadium

•Mumbai Central comes under Western Railways whereas Mumbai CST comes under Central Railways

•Mumbai Central Station mainly handles trains to Gujarat, Rajasthan,Delhi, Punjab and Haryana, whereas Mumbai CST operates trains to Goa,South India, Central India,West Bengal,Odisha.

•Within Maharashtra it operates to other destinations like Pune, Kolhapur, Sawantwadi, Solapur, Nanded, Nagpur, Manmed, Sai Nagar Shirdi and Dhule

•Just like in India, different railway terminals operate trains to different regions.

•Howrah Jn & Sealdah

•New-Delhi & Anand Vihar Terminal

•Chennai Central & Chennai Egmore

•Now Mumbai CST is officially known as Mumbai CSMT (Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus)

What are the first five things that come to your mind when someone mentions Mumbai?

 

• Vada Pav: It’s considered to be the Indian version of the famous “burger”. One can get it in Rs 10–15. Toothsome indeed!

• Bollywood(India’s Film Industry): The reason why so many aspirants flock from different parts of the country to this metropolis every year in order to fulfill their dreams.

• Marine Drive: Just spending some time, besides experiencing the cool sea breeze, here with a loved one(s) is a rewarding experience in itself.

• Rains: No one can deny their importance. A Mumbaikar eagerly waits for it after June first week, every year.

• Local trains: The most vital means of public transport which ferries about 4 million passengers every day throughout the year, and indirectly contributes to the economy of Mumbai as well as the nation.

Some other notable mentions:-

• Ganesh Chaturthi: That time of the year when the entire city transforms into one mega carnival and chants of “Ganpati Bappa Moraya” reverberate in your ears.

• Dabbawalas(Tiffin Carriers): These noble and hard-working souls always ensure that millions of office-goers get to relish their tiffins. Also, the efficiency with which they work is truly commendable.

• Gateway Of India: This iconic structure is reminiscent of the erstwhile British Era. Also not to forget, it’s the most popular tourist destination in the city.

• Foodie’s and Shopper’s Paradise: Whether it is about having a cutting chai(tea at a roadside stall) or feasting at a posh fine-dining restaurant, Mumbai has all the options available. The same applies for the shoppers who wish to buy branded clothes and accessories at pocket-friendly prices. Palladium or Fashion Street; The Taj or Khau Galli(Eat Street); you name it, we have it! :)

• Friendly nature of the locals: Be it a natural calamity or a man-made disaster, we always come forward and extend our help and support to those affected.

Which Bollywood actors live alone in Mumbai?

 Ranbir Kapoor had recently moved out from his own family house and living alone in Mumbai

He said in an interview that his mom Neetu only had insisted him to live alone so he get to know about his responsibilities in life

He also said his connection with his parents has increased post his movement as he meet them atleast once in two days for lunch or dinner and spend quality time with them there .

I don't think normal people and celebrities life are similar in anyway . They almost have parties and celebrations everyday .

What are some lesser-known sights to see when visiting Mumbai, Maharashtra, India?

 1. Banaganga

This historic water tank is believed to have originated back in 1120 AD. This place also has a religious background as it said that it was here that Ram’s brother Lakshman shot an arrow into the ground for the water to flow in from the Ganges. It is maintained very well and the water here is sweet despite being so close to the sea.

2. Sasoon Docks

Built in 1875, this is the largest fish market in the city. Huge quantities of fish are brought here and sold by the Koli fishing community. This is also the oldest dock in the city and a sight one must see.

3. Dhobi Ghat

This place has been mentioned in the Guinness Book of Records. The sight of hundreds of dhobis cleaning, soaking , beating and washing the clothes in complete synchronization is interesting. This is the place where all the clothes from Mumbai’s hotels and hospitals are washed.

4. Pandavkada Falls

Measured to be 350 meters high, these falls flow in Kharghar, Navi Mumbai. During monsoons, the surroundings are covered with lush greenery and it also covers the Buddhist caves behind it, making the whole view serene.

5. Dahanu Beach

This place is very close to the Udwada and Sai temples which are significant religious places of the Zoroastrians. The beach has golden sand and sparkling water and since it’s less crowded than other beaches in Mumbai, this is the perfect place to relax even while in the city.

6. Sewree Mangrove Park

If you are in the mood to watch flamingos, the barn swallow or other beautiful birds, this is exactly the place for you. It has 15 acres of mangroves protecting the flora and fauna of the city.

7. Afghan Church

It’s a heritage site with beautiful architecture that marks the long extinct colonial might. The church is dedicated to the British soldiers who fell in the Afghan campaigns in the 19th century.

8. Gilbert Hill

This unique structure stands out in a city like Andheri. It is made up of frozen molten lava and has a height of 200 meters. You can enjoy a stunning bird eye view from the top where there are two temples, one dedicated to Gaodevi and the other to Durgamata.

9. Chhota Kashmir

A lake with ducks and surrounded by trees and gardens is truly a captivating view. A part of the Aarey Milk Colony, this forested area is calm and peaceful – away from the bustling city.

10. Bassein (Vasai) Fort

It is a historic monument that marks the glorious past from the Chalukyas to the Yadavas. The fort stands strong with beautiful intricate designs and greenery around it, offering its visitors a mesmerizing view.

11. Yeyur Hills

Located in the suburban region of Mumbai, it’s one of the most recommended destinations in Mumbai.

How was Mumbai during the time of Marathas?

Seven islands of Mumbai

Mumbai in 1860s

Human habitation of Mumbai existed since the Stone Age, the Kolis and Aagri(a Marathi fishing community) were the earliest known settlers of the islands. The Maurya Empire gained control of the islands during the 3rd century BCE and transformed it into a centre of Buddhist culture and religion. Later, between the 2nd century BCE and 9th century BCE, the islands came under the control of successive indigenous dynasties: Satavahanas, Abhiras, Vakatakas, Kalachuris, Konkan Mauryas, Chalukyas and Rashtrakutas, before being ruled by the Silharas from 810 to 1260.

King Bhimdev established his kingdom in the region in the late 13th century, and brought many settlers to the islands. The Muslim rulers of Gujarat captured the islands in 1348, and they were later governed by the Gujarat Sultanate from 1391 to 1534. The Treaty of Bassein between the Portuguese viceroy Nuno da Cunha and Bahadur Shah of the Gujarat Sultanate placed the islands into Portuguese possession in 1534.

The islands suffered incursions from Mughals towards the end of the 17th century. During the mid-18th century, the city emerged as an important trading town, with maritime trade contacts with Mecca and Basra. Economic and educational development characterised the city during the 19th century with the first-ever Indian railway line beginning operations between Mumbai and neighbouring Thane in 1853. The city became a strong base for the Indian independence movement during the early 20th century and was the epicentre of the Rowlatt Satyagraha of 1919 and Royal Indian Navy Mutiny of 1946. After India's independence in 1947, the territory of Bombay Presidency retained by India was restructured into Bombay State. The area of Bombay State increased, after several erstwhile princely states that joined the Indian union were integrated into Bombay State.

What did Bal Thackeray do for Mumbai?

 

• Mumbai: Well, Bala Saheb Thackeray culturally turned Bombay- a cosmopolitan city into Mumbai- capital of Maharashtra .
• He strongly believed before his advent on political scene of Mumbai; Maharashtrians were lagging behind non Marathis in city life and conventional businesses .
  [1]

• According to him; he simply wanted to raise voice against certain issues related to culture and city; but it turned into a mass movement and later a known political outfit-Shiv Sena.
  [2]

• Mumbaikar: Well, most of his supporters belonged to underbelly of this global city- mill workers;maids, cab and auto drivers ; petty office workers and so on . Undoubtedly, he provided a kind of cultural identity to them .

• God father: Bala Saheb was treated as an elder by many -who's who of Mumbai elite to common citizen . Well, he had friends in all sections of society and thus people approached him to help them out in serious problems.
  [3]

• Philanthropy: Under his aegis; state government used to run Zunka Bhakar food stalls that sold affordable food items. He also tried to improve lives of poor in his own way 
  [4]

• Conclusion: A demagogue; who loved and adored his Mumbai !
• Pic credit: Google
• Kindly appreciate it without taking offence.

THE MUMBAI/BOMBAY UNDERWORLD(1940s-Present day)

 THE MUMBAI/BOMBAY UNDERWORLD(1940s-Present day)

The Mumbai Underworld or the Bombay Underworld refers to the organised crime network in the city of Mumbai(formerly Bombay),in Maharashtra.

With time,the Mumbai Underworld has been dominated by several different groups and mobsters.

The crimes were initially smuggling ,gambling and illegally selling liquor but with time they turned into more serious crimes like murder.

Underworld in the 1940s-1980s

The three figureheads of this underworld were Karim Lala,Haji Mastan and Varadarajan Mudaliar.

KARIM LALA

Karim Lala(Abdul Karim Sheikh Khan) was a pashto speaking pashtun from Kunar province ,Afghanistan who had come to Bombay with his family in the 1920s.

He and his family members operated in the Bombay docks.

They were often called “Afghan mafia” or “Pathan mafia” by the Bombay Law enforcement because the majority of the crimes were done by ethnic pashtuns.(specifically from Kunar province of Afghanistan)..

They were involved in hashish trafficking,protection rackets,extortion,illegal gambling,gold smuggling and contract killings.

Lala controlled bootlelegging and gambling in the city from 1940 onwards and remained the king of this trade till 1985.

HAJI MASTAN

Haji Mastan or Mastan Mirza or Sultan Mirza was originally from Tamil Nadu.

He moved to Bombay at the age of 8 from Pannaikulam in 1934 with his father.

The father son duo intially worked in a cycle repair shop and later Mastan started working in the Bombay docks.

He then entered the underworld and worked along with Karim Lala in the 1960s.By the 1960s,he had become a rich man.He amassed millions from smuggling gold, silver, and electronic goods, and expanded his clout in the film industry by investing his money with directors and studios, in film production in Bollywood.As Mastan's influence in Bollywood grew, he began to produce films himself and was a well-known producer.

Haji Mastan with Dilip Kumar and Saira Banu(both were bollywood actors)

Haji Mastan with Sunil Dutt

VARADARAJAN MUDALIAR

He was popularly known as Vardha bhai and was a tamil hindu mafia mobster.

He was an infamous gangster from the 1960s to 1980s along with Karim Lala and Haji Mastan.

Mudaliar also started working initially in the Bombay docks and later started selling illicit liquor.He was much respected in the tamil community and ran a parallel justice system where his verdict was the final law of the land specially in areas like Matlunga and Dharavi(which had a huge diaspora of tamils).

He was intially involved in stealing dock cargo and then into contract killings and narcotics trade.

Mudaliar controlled most of the underworld in east and north central bombay in the 1970s.

Karim Lala commanded south and central Bombay, and the majority of smuggling and illegal construction financing was Haji Mastan's domain.

Underworld from 1980s to present day

D-COMPANY

D-company is an organised crime group which is controlled by Dawood Ibrahim.

It is more like a criminal terrorist group and not just an organised crime group involved in petty smuggling,killing.

Ibrahim is currently on Interpol’s wanted list for cheating,conspiracy and running an organised crime syndicate.

In 2008,he was at number two in the Forbes list of top 10 most wanted men.

He is accused of heading an illegal empire against Indians and he is also accused of the 1993 bombay bombings..

1993 Bombay blasts..

His name was associated with Osama Bin Laden also and also in the 2008 Mumbai attacks..

2008 Mumbai attacks

Ever since he took to hiding..he is frequently traced to Karachi,Pakistan but the Pakistani authorities have denied this claim.

CHOTTA RAJAN

Chotta Rajan also runs a major crime syndicate in bombay.He was initially a lieutenant under Dawood Ibrahim.

He initially started as a bootlegger and is accused of extortion,murder,smuggling,drug trafficking and film finance.

He is accused of 17 murders also and was finally caught in Bali on 25th October,2015.

He is now awaiting a trail in CBI custody.

ARUN GAWLI

He started intially as a kidnapper who kidnapped people,tortured them,extorted money from them and killed them.

The police raided his premises many times and finally ended his operations.He has been arrested many times and has been detained for long periods.

Yet he was not convicted because of lack of evidence.

He was finally found guilty of murder of Shiv sena leader Kamalakar Jamsendekar in August 2012.

RELATIONS WITH BOLLYWOOD

These mafia dons have been associated with bollywood.

From 1970s,there have been major influences on bollywood by this underworld which can be seen in their movies..

Don(1978) inspired from the lives of these underworld gangsters..

Once Upon a time in mumbai(Ajay devgn’s role is inspired from Haji Mastan and Dawood ibrahim)..

Ajay devgn as Karim lala in Gangubai Kathiawadi

The Bombay underworld not just influenced bollywood storylines but also actors,directors etc..

Dawood Ibrahim with Anil Kapoor

Dawood Ibrahim with actress Mandakini

Today,we know how bollywood actors are into drugs too which is again an influence by these mafia dons..