One stage, Many Characters

For all the newbie’s who come to 'Amchi Mumbai', travelling in the infamous "locals" is an adventure ride. But for the regulars who ride day in day out, it becomes an ingrained chore. There is almost nothing pleasurable about travelling in the locals, given the heat, the rush & the ubiquitous presence of filth.

Each day has the same template, in the morning; faces are purposeful, driven needing to get somewhere, by evening the same faces show not so subtle signs of exhaustion, weariness and mild dejection. Yet, amidst this seemingly mundane journey, there are daily deeds which break the mold.

Often, street children ride in the ladies compartment, daring each other to jump out first at the station and board the last possible moment. After of couple stations, there is eventually an 'Anuty' who gets annoyed and gives the kids a good long firing may be followed by couple of whacks....

There are the eunuchs who sit by the door seemingly blocking it, but only till they see someone struggle to get in the last moment, a hand is always lent to ensure the person boards the train safely. ..

Almost everyone has a private phone conversation to catch up on....and fellow travelers oblige by pretending they are in private booth and respectfully ignore the raised voices, passionate arguments, teary goodbyes, anger diatribes and so on...

There is the informal info club.... who exchange book recommendations, newspapers & gossip. . and of course the mutual admiration society who compare, sarees, jewelery, shoes, etc...

And then there is an occasional vendor who finds her way into the first class... brining a bundle of entertainment to buyers and spectators alike...

When an occasional infant is travelling with mom, who doesn't have place to sit... finds more than one lap to occupy... and often followed candy treats..

And ironically Mumbai behaves its best only when disaster strikes.... given the two days of motormen strike, its was stunning example of comradeship in which fellow passengers helped each other, offered to share cabs, gave lifts to strangers....

Its a pleasure to find such colorful characters on a such dull ride ... :-) :-)