‘My father retired from the railways, so trains were something I could relate to,’ says Sudhanshu Pandey

Sudhanshu Pandey/PR image

From enjoying a gola at Juhu beach with his wife, to a meal at Mainland China with his kids, here's everything that made UP boy Sudhanshu Pandey into an ‘Asli Mumbaikar.'

Vada Pav or Pav Bhaji?
Pav Bhaji because it is more satiating as a meal, not just a snack.

Rickshaw or Kaali Peeli?
Kaali Peeli because it's an identity that Mumbai had even before I came to Mumbai, so I travelled in Kaali Peeli and that left an impact on my mind that will always stay.

Juhu beach or Bandra Bandstand?
Juhu beach because when my wife and I first came to Mumbai, we used to have gola there every second day.

Gateway of India or Marine Drive?
Both places are historical but I'll always chose Marine Drive-Queen's necklace, it's something I always wanted to see even as a tourist.

Local train or BEST bus?
I haven't travelled by public transport much, but initially I did take the local train a couple of times. My father retired from the railways, so trains were always something I could relate to. It's symbolic of life as you move ahead.

Tapri ki chai or Sol Kadhi?
Tapri any day, because cutting chai is something I associate with the city.

Watching a play at Prithvi theatre or watching a movie at Gaiety Galaxy?
I've watched movies in single screen theatres all my life, so I would love to watch a play at Prithvi, because that's something I didn't get to experience while living in Uttar Pradesh.

Mumbai during rains or Mumbai during winter?
Winters because the weather is beautiful and roads are dry.

Favourite restaurant in the city?
Favourite restaurant is one that is close to our house-Mainland China, simply because my kids love their food.

Favourite place in Mumbai?
It's difficult to choose but over the past decade, Marriot in Juhu has been my favourite. It's homely, I love the food and it's a great location to be at with family.

The Mumbai lingo you use the most?
Favourite Mumbai lingo is ‘Bas kya?'

What do you love most about the city?
I love the diversity yet unity and it's a very accepting city. It gives hope to everybody, you never lose hope in this city.

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