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I Was This Simple, Hindi Speaking Girl, But Was Never Criticised. That Is The Best Part About Mumbai: Divyanka On Her Love For The City Of Dreams
The City of Dreams, Mumbai has always been synonymous to warmth and comfort! But as they say, you will never know until you yourself have experienced it! Similar to the lines, the very beautiful Divyanka Tripathi too had heard a lot about the city before coming down from Bhopal. But on coming to the beautiful place and post encountering a few warm experiencing, was when Divyanka realised that the negative pre-conceived notion that prevail about Mumbai in the minds of every outsider is nothing but just a false belief!
While in an interview with a daily, Divyanka elaborated on how she has turned from once a nervous newcomer to now being head over heels in love with this place! "The first time I came to Mumbai from Bhopal was for a holiday with my family when I was a kid. Post that I came to Mumbai in 2004 for a talent hunt show Cinestars Ki Khoj. At that time I didn’t have a place to stay so two friends of mine allowed me to live with them. They not only gave me space, they also fed and took care of me. Those were lessons in kindness and I felt people are good in Mumbai. I went back after the show and kept coming for some reality and fashion shows. At that time I used to travel by bus because I couldn’t afford a flight and train tickets were never available."She further elaborated, "It was in 2006 when I bagged the daily soap Banoo Mein Tumhari Dulhan that I shifted to Mumbai. I rented a one room flat and I had to do everything from cooking to washing my clothes. I really enjoyed that phase. I can proudly say that I have lived in a very basic manner in Mumbai."
Talking about the pre--conceived notions about Mumbai, Divyanka said," Before coming here I had heard so many things about Mumbai, that it had a westernised culture, people exploit you, etc. I had a lot of preconceived notions. But imagine my shock when I realised that people here respect all cultures. The important thing is you should be comfortable with yourself. I was this simple, Hindi speaking girl, but I wasn’t criticised. That is the best part about Mumbai. Nobody will show their dislike on your face — in other cities sarcastic remarks will be passed. The sense of professionalism here is admirable. Also, if you are sensible and know what you want and how much you want, nobody can exploit you. Another thing I love about the city is the safety and security for women.
It is the same place where the actress found her soul mate Vivek Dahiya. But apart from her husband, Divyanka is grateful to the place for having given her a bunch of BFFs. "I have made some long lasting friends here, but they are all from my earlier shows. After all, earlier bonds last the longest. They are like my school friends because my first acting experience began with them. I have some amazing friends like Maninder Singh, Deepa Bakshi, Vipul Roy, Snehal Sahay, Ismail Umar Khan and Manish Naggdev." She further said, "Till recently, I wasn’t very fond of the city because I was just working and struggling. I have started loving the city only after Yeh Hai Mohabbatein. There’s no particular thing that I can pinpoint, but this serial changed my life in many ways. Now, with Vivek (Dahiya, husband), I am exploring, the city. We hang out at various eateries like Yauatcha and Thai Pavilion, which are our favourite haunts. We also drive to Marine Drive and Madh Island. I remember going to these spots only for my shoot and coming back, but now I enjoy these places. I would like the city to be beautified. The flyovers can be painted in vibrant colours. We can do something more artistic because Mumbai is a tourist hub and it will be an eye candy to watch nice colours and beautiful roads when you are stuck somewhere in traffic. If you ask me to describe Mumbai, I would say it’s a city for people who are focussed, ambitious and hard working. It is also the most accommodating city in every way."
As they say once a Mumbaikar, always a Mumbaikar!
