Week 1517 - The SoBo State of Mind

The Concept Explained

Counting Down to 90 - Week 1579

Why 1579

Bhavin's WritingsBhavin Jankharia

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Two days ago, Ramnath sent me a piece by Manu Joseph on the only city in India where be believes life has improved…he talks about SoBo but his understanding seems to be that of an outsider looking in, like judging a mango’s taste by its looks…he thinks he knows, but…

In Apr 2009, I had written a piece titled “The Republic of South Bombay”. That was 16 years ago. I thought it was time to do one more on this subject.

2.12 - The Republic of South Bombay

Background: The “South Bombay” state of mind, now often called the SoBo way of thinking has is unique and unparalleled anywhere in India. This was written in April 2009 and since then, with Lower Parel really opening up, the SoBo influence is slowly on the wane. This confidential letter landed

Bhavin's WritingsBhavin Jankharia

So here is “The SoBo State of Mind” for non SoBo people in the form of a Top Ten list. Some things have changed from 2009, many haven’t.

10. There should obviously be a visa to enter SoBo with a check-point somewhere near Worli that extends East to West, from the Seaface to the Docks. Since Bandra is now officially a suburb thanks to the Coastal Road and the Sealink, one consulate can be located in Pali Hill.

9. Alibag is almost an extended suburb and a new “Setu/Sealink” from Gateway of India across the water will finally make it the official winter capital.

8. The day the Atal Setu extends straight onto the Expressway, bypassing the currently jammed JNPT road, Khandala will officially become the summer capital.

7. Freddie is “aapro” Colaba boy, so Bohemian Rhapsody is the official SoBo anthem. 

6. Rugby is the official sport, though now pickleball and paddle are becoming strong competitors.

5. NMACC is a SoBo construct, but unfortunately, physically located in that BKC area. NCPA and NMACC should be connected via a tunnel accessible only to SoBoites, unless there already is one from Altamount Road to NMACC that we don’t know about.

4. All those Eastern areas, east of Lamington Road…though physically SoBo should be called SoMu. The SoBo and SoMu states of mind are totally different.

3. If you say you live in SoBo, then obviously you don’t. Nobody from SoBo says, “I am from SoBo.” Seriously?

2. Even money can’t buy you entry…which is why the Clubs continue to be exclusive and excluding, one of them still not allowing Indians without some foreign connection to even apply to be a member. 

1. The School - its best kept secret. The one that every SoBo parent wants their kids to go to, but few succeed. Most beyond Sion or Santacruz have never ever heard of it and that’s what all parents of “The School” want. If you know you know, if you don’t, you don’t. 

PS: If you think I have missed anything, do let me know.