Three years ago, 21-year-old Rajat Barmecha’s real life picked up where his debut character in Udaan, Rohan’s reel life trails off. At 18, Rajat left the comforts of his suburban home in Delhi to come to Mumbai and try his hand at jewellery design. In 10 days, he gave it up and started going for auditions.
Having seen the city through the eyes of a wide-eyed boy, a struggling model/actor and now with his newfound fame, a fledgling celebrity, Rajat’s views on Mumbai have seen little change, except for a growing fondness for a place he now calls home, DNA finds out.
No reservations
Like every Delhiite, I thought I won’t be able to stay anywhere else. My friends and relatives would say life in Mumbai is very fast. Until then, I had lived with my family with restrictions all my life. So, I wasn’t really sure what to expect.
Moving around
Commuting was difficult initially but I got used to it. I used to take a train from Borivli to Andheri and, from there, a bus to get to auditions. It wasn’t like I didn’t have money (I used to get a small allowance from home), it’s just that I used to feel that I’ll spend once I start earning.
Culture shock
In Delhi, you’re usually completely at a loose end outside of work. In Mumbai, even if I’m not doing anything all day, I’ll be so caught up, I won’t know when the day’s over. Also, once you start saying in Mumbai, Delhi evenings begin to seem lame. The roads are deserted at 11pm, unlike here.
Unchartered territory
People find it surprising but I’ve never been to a discotheque in Mumbai. Earlier I was too busy trying to get set up in the city. And then Udaan happened. But I don’t regret the amount of hard work I’ve done.
Pet peeve
When I first came to Bombay, I stayed in a PG at Borivli and it used to be so messy. I don’t like staying with people; I like my space. If you come to my place now, you’ll be surprised by how neat and tidy it is. I also hate the traffic. Sometimes, if I’m in a hurry and I get stuck in traffic, I’m like… dude! This is bad!
Getting away
Almost every night, I take a walk down the road near my place. It is just buildings all around and not too crowded. I use the time to think. Before Udaan’s release, I used to think about the film. I also think about the people close to me.
Homeward bound
I’ll be in trouble if I go to Delhi now. Even back when I was doing TV commercials, my neighbours would be so excited on seeing me. Now, I don’t think they’ll spare me.
Mumbai dreams
When I first came here, I promised myself that I’ll buy my own home by December 31, 2010, and I’m hoping I will. I’m very happy with Yari Road, so I’d like to buy a 2BHK here.
Ten years on…
I know I’ll be in Mumbai. Even when I was struggling and didn’t have a single assignment, I knew this was the place for me. Today when I go to Delhi and I come back, I feel like this is home.
The first walk on Marine Drive, the initial sighting of the sea link, a bite of vada pav, never-ending party nights or a troublesome house hunt — making a life in Mumbai is never dull and the initial foray leaves a lasting imprint. Starting today, a Mumbai first-timer will share his or her impressions in this weekly column.
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