Tragedy to Mumbai is

Anupam Kher, Critically-acclaimed Bollywood actor

Born in Shimla, in the foothills of the Himalayas, I came to Mumbai 27 years ago in search of a career. That career eventually gave me a chance to showcase my talent, according me national recognition and also some fame. I am thankful for that chance the Mumbai city gave me.
Over the years, Mumbai seeped into my bones, into my psyche, almost imperceptibly. And it gradually changed me forever. As a small-town boy, its hugeness dwarfed me. It made me feel insignificant and that feeling made me strive to become a “somebody” in the metropolis.
The huge bank of available talent and the prevailing competition spurred me to give every role my best shot. Unconsciously, the city broadened my horizons, made me an international citizen and also sparked a professional attitude in my approach to life.
Yes. I became a Mumbaikar. So whenever a tragedy happens to Mumbai, it happens to me.
I was wounded when the blasts occurred in 1993, when the city went down in floods, when the trains were bombed, and indeed on many other occasions. When a handful of terrorists battered Mumbai senseless for 60 hours, I became comatose.
Many questions course my mind — is it worth the endeavour to become somebody significant when your life itself is at stake? Is it worth the effort to remain an achiever when you do not know if a meal at a restaurant or a walk down the street may be your last?
I am restless and I am angry as and I am sure millions of my countrymen also. But I believe that no circumstance in life should change my attitude to life. I must carry on living with zest or I will die. In this numbness, I must be inspired by what I have learnt from Mumbai in 27 years. I must go back to life and living. Else, I will be betraying all those who have given their today so that we can have a tomorrow.
I want to live, not exist. So I must go back to the beginning.

* * *
A die-hard city

Bipasha Basu, Bollywood actress

Like every newcomer, I came here with hopes of earning name and fame. I used to stay at the Driver’s Colony in Kalina. I was all alone and scared. You may not believe it but I actually travelled around with a hammer in my bag. Thankfully, I never had the opportunity to use it.
Despite my initial fears I can say today that I am grateful to Mumbai and the people of Bollywood because they welcomed me with open arms. I achieved what I had come here for. Despite all the tragedies and division the city has faced, I applaud the die-hard spirit of Mumbaikars, who always come together when they must.

* * *

My el dorado

Shekhar Suman, Actor and well-known TV personality

I was born and brought up in Patna but always dreamt that I would come here and make a name for myself. Mumbai was always a dream city for me.
When I came here, I was sure the city would provide me the opportunity to be successful. And today I can say I owe all my success to the city.
It has given me highs and lows, and most of all it has given me a lot more than I deserved. Unfortunately, the city has gone through a lot in the last few years. Yet it remains an El Dorado for me. A nightmare here and there will not mar the city. It has the spirit to resist and go on.

As told to Shama Bhagat