... and thus spake a Delhi Girl

“Such boisterous nature! I’m sure you must be from Delhi”

“Your first impression was of a haughty girl who is arrogant and always bossing around”

“You’re from Delhi? I’ve heard Delhi girls swear a lot!”

I was baffled at these reactions I got from people during my first few days  in Mumbai - a city, as I was told, that was very chilled out; where nobody really cared about who you were. I couldn’t possibly fathom how any Delhi Girl could be different from the ones from a similar metropolitan. But soon it dawned on me. Yes, there was good enough reason for this difference. For being classified as a 'Delhi-ite'.

I have been born and brought up there. I have spent the crucial 21 years of my life in Delhi. A city where being out of your home alone beyond 9pm is almost a sin; where chain-snatchers, eve-teasers and disgusting-oglers wouldn’t fear going on about with their corrupt actions and lewd statements even in bright daylight. The ‘heart’ of India where wearing a cut-sleeve tee and shorts in Delhi Metro was as inappropriate as butterflies to wicked 10 year olds, they’d pester them even when it’s totally uncalled-for.

How could the ones freely roaming along the marine lines at midnight learn to prefer a backpack with pepper-spray instead of a journalist/side bag in public places. How could the cool and easy going people coming from oh-so-not-Delhi states know why the girls with perpetual stone-faced looks are always ready to remove their chappals for a good thrashing at the slightest sign of mischief.

They say ‘better safe than sorry’. So that’s how we grow up; learning to protect ourselves, be bold and assertive about our own ‘rights to swear’.  Ah! So much for Delhi-bashing! But despite all its lack-of-security (or too much insecurity?) and power-hunger, it has its own appeal. It is the one state (okay, UT!) that will always be close to my heart.

For the uninitiated readers, Delhi’s cultural heritage is only too intriguing. The Red Fort, Purana Quila, Qutub Minar, Jantar Mantar,  Lodhi Gardens are just few indications of a regality that it has been. The ‘chaat’ and ‘chehal-pehal’ of Chandni Chowk, the classy aura of Connaught Place and South Delhi, our own Delhi-Metro, its food and foodies, its shops and shopaholics! Everything about the city is lovely.

Having spent almost 2 years here in Mumbai now, I can definitely say that it may be the fashion capital of India, but it can never match the sense of confidence and asservation of Delhi-ites. Its congested roads, tiring traffic and rickety Best Buses can only dream to match the wider roads, Low-floor CNG Buses  and Metro (okay! We take too much pride in it J)

If Mumbai-rains are much sought after, ask a Delhi-ite how he feels about ‘Garam Pakodas with Adrak waali Chai’ in ‘Dilli ki Sardi’. If Mumbai has the whole of Bollywood housed here, ask A Delhi-ite how proud (s)he is of the Republic Day parades and India Gate and the Commonwealth games being held at Delhi.


Every city is special in its own way. And Delhi, my hometown, has its own exceptional charm. Someone has said (and rightly so) that it can't be described wholly in one person's viewpoint. Every Delhi-ite has his/her own view of the place. His/her own way of getting enchanted by the small city that has so much to offer.  And it is my ‘Clean and Green Delhi’, my 'City of Flyovers' that I'll always miss no matter where I am.

This post is merely a result of reflecting over the scepticism towards Delhi and its people that I have seen in the two years I have been in Mumbai. In no way do I mean to demean Mumbai over Delhi. Because all said and done, “Agar Mumbai India ki Jaan hai, to Delhi Dil se kam nahi” :P

(Pardon the Pjs plz!)