My City - Rejuvenating

The city with an edge, a city of opportunities and dreams. Mumbai, India’s economic, commercial and entertainment capital, is a prosperous symbol of modern India. I was born, brought up and educated here and have lived most of my life outside this city. But I do believe that there is an imaginary tug that forever pulls me in its direction. It has been wounded often by outside forces in the last few decades but it springs right back as one of the greatest, fascinating, dynamic and most chaotic cities in the world. 

It will always remain ‘my city’. ​

​Mombayn, Bombain, Monbayn, Bambaye, Bombaiim, Boon Bay, Bombay, Bambai, Mambai, Mumbai; some of the many names of this city since the early 15th century, named and re-named every few years during the Portuguese and British rule in India. 

I have taken this opportunity to tie these works to the ancient names of my beloved city. 

 In Nov 2008, the spirit of Mumbai was tested like never before when terrorists turned this city into a war zone, holding major landmarks under siege for 3 long days and nights. People were bereft and angry, which turned to pain and sadness for all those lost and for what the city lost. It was impossible not to be affected by that pain. Mumbai is a city that belongs to the people.

These paintings were inspired by the Spirit of Mumbai when it was going through these terrorist attacks. The sheer resilience and fortitude of the people showed us how this city held its own.