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| Entertainment |
| Nightlife |
| Nightlife
in Mumbai is best described by the fact that Mumbai is a city that never
sleeps. Trendy 'pubs' and discos or nightclubs are located in the
Fountain/Colaba area and the suburbs too have plenty to offer. Many restaurants
double up as bars and nightclubs and stay open till late hours. For those on a
budget, the local beaches such as Chowpatty and Juhu have a life of their own
during the nights, and often people are found strolling on the beachfronts
enjoying the cool breeze. Both serve as playgrounds, open-air restaurants and
amusements parks. |
| Bollywood and Movies |
| India's answer to Hollywood,
Bollywood films have a fantastic mix of action, violence, music, dance, romance
and an almost non-existent story. Hindi films are a part and parcel of life not
just in Mumbai but probably all over India. The industry rooted in Mumbai,
produces over 200 films a year and is the largest maker of films anywhere in
the world. The film stars or as they known as in 'filmi' parlance, the heroes
and heroines are treated as mega-stars and likened to gods and goddesses. The
masses adore their 'masala' films because they allow the people of India to
escape into a fantasy and hang on to their dreams. |
| Every movie is punctuated with at least half a
dozen songs and elaborate dance numbers, plus an equal number of costume and
location changes. Given this, it is no wonder that the musical success of a
film is vital to its overall success. The formula for a 'hit' film has been
tried and tested hundreds of times, and many movies may be actual copies of
Hollywood originals. However, nowadays they boast of outstanding production
values, with breathtaking cinematography, intricate stunts and action shots,
and a sophistication and slickness previously missing. |
If you haven't seen one, it's worth a shot. Ask
around for the latest good flicks running in a movie theatre near you. A visit
to the sets -- a wonderfully chaotic experience -- is possible by contacting
the managers or public relations officers of the following studios: Film City
in Goregaon, Natraj in Andheri and RK Studio in Chembur. |
| Theatre and Music |
| Traditionally, Mumbai has always had a strong local following for both music
and theatre. In fact, theatre performances in Marathi, Hindi, Gujarati and
English are of a very high standard. Both serious plays and lighter 'spoofs' or
farcical comedies are performed. Usually plays are held on the weekends, as in
many cases the actors have other professions as well. Check the local papers
for the latest listings as plays are performed all over the city with a number
of theatre halls in the suburbs as well. The National Centre for the Performing
Arts (NCPA) at Nariman Point and the Prithvi Theatre in Juhu (with an excellent
café) have regular performances. |
| Imagine you can hear the lilting sounds of a sitar
against the gentle lapping of waves! Music is found all over the city, and the
sheer number and variety of concerts will satisfy both western and Indian music
lovers. Indian classical music is best heard outdoors in performances usually
held in the winter months. The best and most talented artistes perform here,
with such arresting backdrops as the Gateway of India and the Banganga Tank.
There is no shortage of pop, rock, and jazz too. Many restaurants and venues
have live performances by local and international artistes, all providing a
pulsating and lively atmosphere. Check local papers for concerts and the NCPA
programme as well. |
| For music, dance, drama and the movies, the Government of India's tourist
office publishes a fortnightly guide with the latest information of
what's on. |
| Festivals |
| Banganga Festival |
| Usually held in January, organised by
the MTDC, this two-day festival of music is held at the historic
Banganga Tank.. Performers are usually exponents of classical vocal and
instrumental music, and its beautiful setting and soothing music
provide a charming ambience. Proceeds from the sale of tickets go towards the
conservation, upkeep and maintenance of the Banganga temple
complex. |
| Elephanta
Festival |
|
Against the dramatic façade of the cave temples, this festival of dance and
music is held in the early part of the year, usually in February. Also
organised by the MTDC, the event involves a boat ride from the Gateway of
India to the Elephanta Islands. |
| Kala Ghoda Festival |
| Every Sunday from November to January,
at Mumbai in the Kala Ghoda area (now known as K. Dubash Marg), near the
Jehangir Art Gallery is transformed into a street bazaar of arts and crafts.
Food, handicrafts and performances are all part of this daylong event
starting from 10 am and ending at 9 pm, organised by MTDC. |
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