Hemangini Dutt Majumder's new book smells like trouble—in the best way
The evening set in the jasmine-scented, flower-filled auditorium was designed to evoke Neelbari, the mysterious ancestral estate in the novel, set in West Bengal's Chandannagar, mirroring the immersive world of Ollie's story.
Olympia Chattergé—Ollie, for short—is a 29-year-old sommelier with an aversion to working out, a deep love for food and random Nat Geo factoids, and one highly unusual gift: a hyper-sensitive nose which picks up random fragrances, that often has her jokingly comparing herself to Batman. Nearly every page contains a smell-note: the comforting familiarity of talcum powder, the sharpness of garam masala, the antiseptic zing of Ultracin gel, or the unmistakable aroma of Koraishutir Kochuri (fried bread with pea stuffing).
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Not Just the Gateway! Some cities are made to be seen. Mumbai? It's made to be felt. It isn't just the 'City of Dreams.' It's the city of reflections—where glass towers mirror colonial facades, where sea meets skyline, and where every alley, art wall, and old arch holds a frame worth capturing. Most tourists run toward the Gateway of India or Marine Drive. But what if we told you: Instagram-worthy Mumbai isn't just on the postcards. It's in the pauses. In the colors behind a fading wall. In a fisherman's silhouette at dawn. In cafes older than your grandparents and staircases that lead to stories, not just floors. This is your photo trail through Mumbai—not for the filters, but for the feelings. What makes Mumbai so photogenic? It's the contrast. The chaos. The calm. A city where history coexists with hipster cafés. Where bazaars buzz while art galleries stay still. You don't just take photos here. You become a part of them. Unlike overly curated cityscapes, Mumbai's beauty lies in its raw edges—washed sarees drying on rooftops, pigeons swirling above minarets, and the sudden hush of sunset on a crowded beach. And the best part? You don't need to go far. Some of the most Instagrammable places in Mumbai are woven into its everyday of the Gateway? These iconic Mumbai spots are your next photo playgrounds: 1. Bandra's Street Art – Where Every Wall Tells a Story Forget filters. The walls of Chapel Road, Waroda Road, and Ranwar village paint a mood of their own. From pop art portraits of Bollywood legends to hidden murals that celebrate queer love and local icons—Bandra is Mumbai's open-air gallery. Best for: Color-popping portraits, candid street shots, and reel-worthy wall crawls Pro tip: Go during golden hour for soft shadows and empty lanes Vibe: Urban, youthful, unapologetic 2. Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus – Gothic Glory in Motion It's not just a train station. It's a cathedral of chaos. CST's Victorian Gothic architecture is Instagram's architectural crush. Arched windows, floral stone carvings, iron gates—all photogenic even as locals rush past. Step back during off-peak hours and frame that one perfect long-exposure shot as the city moves through history. Best for: Neo-Gothic backdrops, dramatic edits, vintage vibes Pro tip: Head to the opposite side (DN Road) for wider angles Vibe: Regal, historic, cinematic Drive – The Queen's Necklace That Never Stops Shining Classic? Yes. Cliché? Marine Drive isn't just about walking by the sea. It's about feeling like you're part of a postcard. Curved just right. Lit just right. This sweeping boulevard holds the city's skyline like a crown. Sit on the promenade. Wait for twilight. Watch the lights flicker on, one by one, until they trace the shoreline like diamonds on silk. The best photo? Not always the one with you in it. But the one where you look out, silhouetted, small against a city that never sleeps. Fort and Sea Link – Where History Meets Modern Magic Hidden at the edge of Bandstand, Bandra Fort is that perfect spot where stone ruins meet steel marvel. Come at sunset. Watch the Bandra-Worli Sea Link curve like a giant silver ribbon across the horizon. The waves crash below, the skies turn tangerine, and you're standing in history while looking into the future. The best shots? Frame the fort's arches with the bridge in the backdrop. Or go wide and let the sky do the storytelling. You'll often spot local couples here, laughing into the breeze. Film crews too. Because this place is cinematic without trying. 5. Versova Beach – Sunset, Stillness, and Silhouettes Juhu's less crowded cousin, Versova Beach is where locals walk dogs, couples carve hearts in sand, and the sun quietly dips behind fishing boats. The mood? Calm. The light? Perfect. On some days, you'll spot horse riders and kids flying kites, making it a moving canvas of everyday magic. 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Some of the best portraits are the ones taken after you ask for permission. -Walk more, plan less The city reveals its gems when you wander. One wrong turn in Fort could lead you to an undiscovered graffiti wall or a 200-year-old bookstore. -Go beyond filters Let Mumbai's imperfections shine. A cracked wall or a rusty bicycle might be your most liked post yet. The Hidden Impact of Taking the Scenic Route This isn't just about aesthetics or Instagram likes. When you explore deeper: -You support local cafés, vintage shops, and unknown artists -You reduce pressure on overhyped photo spots like Marine Drive or Colaba Causeway -You give value to spaces that often go unseen—helping preserve their charm in the face of modernization Every time you click and share, you're not just capturing beauty—you're archiving a feeling, a street, a memory Final Thought Don't just visit Mumbai. Frame it. Let your camera be your excuse. Let your curiosity be your time someone asks why you didn't just go to Gateway of India, show them a painted wall in Bandra, or a sunset over Versova. Show them a city that doesn't just shine. It glows. Because in Mumbai, every corner has a caption. All you need is to stop scrolling, and start strolling.
