A recent survey has labelled London the loneliest city in the world. We don’t want that for Mumbai, so read on
London, a recent survey found, is among the loneliest cities in the world. While the Time Out City Index survey didn't rate Mumbai, we know life in the city that never sleeps can get isolating. Stuck between long office hours and the traffic jam, where's the time to meet people? But, even if you've just moved here or your school friends have moved off shore, there are always new ways to make friends. Here's how to find someone you might share something in common with and become a part of a community.
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Dance into a community
Perhaps you once attended a Salsa class and now have nowhere to dance? The city fortunately has several venues — Summer House (Todi Mills); Tamasha (Khar) and Shiros (Worli) — which hold weekly Salsa nights. Mary Lobo, who organises the Wednesday events at Worli, says it doesn't matter if you are a novice or expert at twists and turns. Everyone will be greeted and given some time on the dance floor. “There's a huge community of Latin dancers in Mumbai and Shiro's a place for like-minded people to come together,” she adds. Shy? You can approach senior dancers and they will help you get into the groove. Once you have attended enough sessions and seem serious about Salsa (Lobo points out that this is not your average socialising event), you are sure to find yourself part of the community.
GET IN TOUCH: Head to Shiro's at 10.30 pm on Wednesday; To Summer House on Sundays and Tamasha on Thursdays
Find co-lovers of football
The worst thing a lover of team sports can suffer is not finding someone to enjoy the game with. Sarath Nair's meet-up group, Strain Football, fortunately comes to your rescue. Created for football aficionados, this group, hosted on Meet Up, connects you with others who want to watch, discuss and play football. The group has two to three games a week. Week day matches are held post 8 pm; on Saturdays, you could catch a morning game, depending on availability of the turf. Charges only apply for entry. The best part? There's no gender bias. Women, finally here's a group that wants you to play.
GET IN TOUCH: meetup.com/Turf-Football/
Go ahead, read
Six years ago, Pravin Subramanian started a book exchange community he called SwapBook. This meet is not about discussing one book at a time. You can either talk about any book you have read or one that you plan to read. Others who may have read it will chip in with their opinions. The meets are usually held at coffee shops around Bandra or Fort on the second Saturday of every month.
GET IN TOUCH: facebook.com/SwapBook!
Make dinner for more than 1
Join a class that allows you to share what you make with others who are learning too. Bluebulb holds a hands-on Japanese Sushi and Handmade Pasta Workshop. Expert chefs will guide you and others present through the experience. The workshops are priced at Rs 3,199.
GET IN TOUCH: www.bluebulb.in
Play a boardgame by the sea
Perhaps you're not into contact sports or even shaking your booty. Mumbai has options for you too. Board Games Bash encourages you to reconnect with that part of yourself with strangers. The range of games extends from recreational to strategy. What we liked best is that sessions are even held on Carter Road promenade. Mihir Vora, co-founder, says, "Often, people walking by get curious and want to join in. They are welcome."
GET IN TOUCH: facebook.com/BoardGamesBash/
Bond over supper
Food can do what social media cannot. Make new friends at the Secret Supper Project, by mailing reservations@secretsupperproject.com. Venue details will accompany the invitation. There's also The Love Fools started by Sarita Pereira. People are encouraged to try out her eight-course meal in small groups, pairs or alone.
GET IN TOUCH: Send a mail to info@lovefools.com
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