I first met Lubna when we recorded an episode of our +Add to Playlist podcast for STR. How was it? In short — everyone was blown away by her deep cultural knowledge and the effortless way she brings stories to life. We ended up staying an extra hour, listening to her talk about the songs and traditions of different peoples — from Arabic and African to, of course, Indian.

So, when the idea for an article about Mumbai came up, I immediately knew who to call. And in true Lubna fashion, she didn’t just share a few comments — she went above and beyond, reaching out to her creative circle, including Prarthna Singh, an Indian photographer exploring themes of feminine identity and gender, and Mukul Deora, an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and artist — all to show you a new side of India, or more precisely — Mumbai.

I have never been to India — it is always felt a little overwhelming from afar: the hustle, the noise, the chaos.

But that changed after a conversation with Lubna, who described the city as rich, dynamic, vibrant, and deeply inspiring — full of soul and charm. It wasn’t just what she said, but the passion behind her words that stayed with me. That is when I realised there is another side to the city — another Mumbai waiting to be discovered.

Mukul Deora is someone who is deeply rooted in India’s film and music scene — an entrepreneur, filmmaker, and artist best known for producing the Oscar- and BAFTA-nominated global hit The White Tiger.

— If Mumbai had a sound, what would it be — and where would you go to hear it?

— Mumbai has so many sounds — the crash of waves along Marine Drive or any of its beaches, the constant wail of car horns during rush hour, and the low rumble of construction from new buildings on every corner. And sometimes, if you listen closely, you will catch the haunting melody of a street flute seller playing somewhere in the distance.

— What makes Mumbai’s energy different from anywhere else you have been?

— Mumbai is unique because it combines the hectic hustle of a big Indian city with a sense of safety and cosmopolitan openness. It is fast-paced yet somehow welcoming at the same time.

— Where do you like to spend time when you want to feel inspired?

— I love nature — so walking along the ocean or hiking through Sanjay Gandhi National Park (which, by the way, has one of the highest densities of leopards in the world) always does the trick. Otherwise, I head to a gig or event at one of the city’s art spaces like G5A, NMACC, or NCPA.

— What is something people usually get wrong about life in Mumbai?

— I am not entirely sure — but I often hear visitors say that while space is limited, people are incredibly kind. And I think that is true; it is part of the city’s charm.

— If someone wanted to experience Mumbai the way you do, what are the must-visit places — cafés, corners, galleries, or hidden gems?

— Mumbai’s food scene is fantastic — diverse, creative, and full of character. Some of my favourites are The Table, with its elegant global menu and calm, leafy setting; Americano, known for modern comfort food and a buzzy, relaxed vibe; and The Bombay Canteen, which celebrates Indian flavours in a fresh, contemporary way. I also love Slink & Bardot for its moody art deco vibe and Izumi for the best Japanese food in the city.

If you get the chance, visit one of the city’s members-only clubs and order Eggs Kejriwal — it is a true Mumbai classic. And don’t miss Art Night Thursday — it is a brilliant way to discover the city’s galleries and creative energy.

Before we introduce you Prarthna, one note to say: she insists on calling Mumbai Bombay, because for her, it is more than just a name; it is a feeling.

Prarthna Singh sees India differently — perhaps because she experiences it through the lens of her camera. She is an international photographer whose work explores social and political themes, focused on Indian society. Her distinctive approach and visual language have brought her work to publications like TIME, The New York Times, The Economist, and many other well-known outlets

— What is one place in Bombay that still amazes you every time you go there?

— The one place that amazes me every single time is the sunset along the Queen’s Necklace — that long stretch of Marine Drive. Just before the monsoon sets in and right after it ends, the sunsets are breathtaking. You sit by the sea, take in the city, and for a moment everything that usually feels chaotic or cramped just opens up — it is calm, expansive, and deeply beautiful. I am always in awe when I am there.

— If a friend were visiting for only a day, where would you take them?

— I would try to show them both sides of Bombay — nature and madness. I would start the morning with a walk along the new elevated walkway at Malabar Hill. It only opened recently and it is gorgeous — you are surrounded by trees, with views of the sea, Chowpatty Beach, and the city spread out before you.

Then I would take them for a classic local breakfast at Café Olympia — their keema pav with an egg on top is perfect.

After that, I would dive into the real heart of the city — Crawford Market. It is an incredible maze that has everything under the sun. Within it, you will find smaller markets: one for brass, one for bangles, one just for bindis. And right next to it is Chor Bazaar — the famous Thieves’ Market. It is chaotic and colourful and full of possibilities; you walk through thinking of all the things you could make with the beads and trinkets around you.

— What are the little moments that make you think, “This is so Bombay”?

— Definitely life on the streets. There are very few places in the world where so much of daily life happens outside — and it is such a beautiful thing to witness. You see these intimate moments: someone offering a prayer by a tree, families sharing a meal on a pavement, kids playing cricket in narrow lanes.

It is the kind of closeness and openness that defines Bombay. The streets are full of life — and when you walk through them, you really feel one with the people around you. You’re all in it together, and that is what makes the city so special.

— What has Bombay taught you?

— Acceptance — to take each day as it comes. To stay curious and keep your eyes open, because the city is constantly offering something new — a sound, a smell, a face, a moment. If you are just staring at your phone the whole time, you will miss the beauty right in front of you.

It has also taught me to be kind, to share, and to be loving — because the city itself feels like one big community. Everyone is hustling, but there is this unspoken sense of care between people.