Mumbai, formerly known as Bombay, is often described in poetic terms. It is called "The City of Dreams," "The Maximum City," and even "The City That Never Sleeps." Yet none of these descriptions quite captures its essence in totality. Mumbai is not just a city; it is a living, breathing necessity for millions of people. It is the economic powerhouse of India, a cultural melting pot, a historical epicentre, and a hope that sustains ambitions across the country. For countless individuals, Mumbai is more than geography; it is opportunity, survival, and identity.
In this essay, we delve into the heart of what makes Mumbai indispensable. Why is Mumbai considered a necessity? What about this city transcends the definition of a mere urban space? Why do people from across the nation uproot their lives to settle here, despite the evident challenges of overcrowding, pollution, and high living costs? The answer lies in understanding Mumbai not just as a place but as a phenomenon.
A Historical Perspective: The Birth of a Giant
Mumbai’s story began as a collection of seven islands, which were gradually developed by the British into a major port city. Its strategic location on the western coast of India made it a vital gateway for trade, shipping, and military logistics. By the time of India’s independence in 1947, Mumbai had already become a flourishing metropolis, home to major industries, cotton mills, and a burgeoning middle class.
Post-independence, it evolved rapidly into India's financial and entertainment capital. Mumbai’s transformation from colonial outpost to economic epicentre reflects its historical necessity. Today, it hosts some of India’s largest corporations, the Reserve Bank of India, and the Bombay Stock Exchange, Asia’s oldest stock exchange.
But more than its economic past, it is the way Mumbai has embraced its people that makes it a necessity.
The Economic Lifeline of India
Mumbai contributes over 6% to India's GDP, and 40% of the country's foreign trade passes through its ports. It is home to financial institutions, multinational corporations, and thriving small businesses alike. The city houses corporate headquarters, law firms, and a significant portion of India's startup ecosystem.
The average Mumbaikar may not be a CEO or investment banker, but Mumbai supports informal labour on a colossal scale. The dabbawalas (lunchbox delivery men), street vendors, daily wage labourers, auto rickshaw drivers, and domestic help workers form the invisible backbone of the city’s economy. It is the only place in India where someone with no formal education can earn a decent livelihood simply through hustle and hard work.
People come to Mumbai with a dream, often just a few rupees in their pocket. And despite the fierce competition and high cost of living, Mumbai finds a way to accommodate them. The city rewards ambition in a way few other Indian cities do. It is not generous, but it is fair—merit, resilience, and creativity are often enough to climb the ladder.
The City of Dreams: Bollywood and Beyond
One cannot talk about Mumbai without mentioning Bollywood—the world’s largest film industry in terms of output. The cultural influence of Bollywood is unparalleled. Its stars are worshipped as demigods; its music, dialogues, and fashion permeate everyday life in India and far beyond. But Bollywood is more than just a cultural force—it is an aspirational magnet.
Thousands of aspiring actors, directors, dancers, and technicians arrive in Mumbai each year hoping to make it big. Some become stars; others become part of the city's many layers—working in theatre, advertisements, background roles, or production houses. Even those who don’t find stardom often find something more vital: community, dignity, and identity.
Mumbai is also home to the Marathi film industry, television studios, and thriving art and theatre scenes like Prithvi Theatre. Cultural festivals, art galleries, spoken-word events, and literary circles make Mumbai a diverse creative playground.
Social Fabric: A Melting Pot of Diversity
Mumbai represents India in its most compressed, chaotic, and beautiful form. Every region, language, and religion finds space here. The cosmopolitan fabric of the city is one of its greatest strengths. You can find a Tamil Brahmin, a Gujarati trader, a Muslim craftsman, a North Indian Street food vendor, and a Catholic school teacher living on the same street, sometimes in the same building.
Despite deep social inequalities and occasional tensions, the city largely thrives on communal harmony. People might fight over water supply or traffic, but they come together in crises. The 1993 blasts, 2005 floods, and 2008 terrorist attacks tested the spirit of Mumbai, but never broke it. The resilience shown by citizens in helping each other during these catastrophes is legendary.
Ganesh Chaturthi, Eid, Christmas, and Diwali—all are celebrated with equal fervor. The local trains, Mumbai’s lifeline, are symbolic of this shared experience. In the crowded compartments, there’s no VIP treatment. Everyone is equal; everyone is in it together.
A City That Teaches Survival
Mumbai is a brutal teacher. The city demands endurance. It moves fast—physically and metaphorically. The moment you step into the city, you feel its pulse. People walk faster, talk quicker, and think ahead. There’s no room for complacency, and yet, no one gets left behind for long.
Local trains carry over 7.5 million passengers a day. Rent is exorbitant; traffic is maddening; the monsoons are merciless. And yet, people endure. They make time for dreams. They chase them before sunrise and after midnight. The city teaches you how to survive, not because it is easy, but because it forces you to evolve.
This quality makes Mumbai a necessity. In a country with systemic limitations, Mumbai offers a fairer fight. Whether you're an aspiring artist, a migrant labourer, or a corporate intern, Mumbai lets you try.
Women and Mumbai: A Complex Freedom
Compared to many other Indian cities, Mumbai offers women relatively more freedom and security. Public transport is widely used by women, late-night work is more socially acceptable, and many professional women call Mumbai home. While no place is entirely free from gender-based issues, the city does provide a level playing field that is not found in more conservative towns.
From female police officers to female taxi drivers, Mumbai celebrates the spirit of women in public life. This visibility fosters more inclusion and inspires more young women to enter the workforce.
Urban Challenges: The Price of Dreaming
To romanticize Mumbai without acknowledging its flaws would be dishonest. The city struggles with urban planning. Its slums are densely packed, with Dharavi being one of the largest in Asia. Infrastructure often lags behind the population explosion. Affordable housing is a distant dream for most. The air quality is deteriorating, and public health systems are under constant stress.
Yet, despite these conditions, people continue to arrive. Why? Because even with all its faults, Mumbai offers hope.
This is the paradox that defines Mumbai. It is overwhelming and unforgiving, yet it remains the preferred destination for dreamers. In a sense, the city’s problems are also proof of its necessity—if it weren’t so vital, it wouldn’t be so crowded.
Mumbai in the Global Context
Mumbai is not just India’s financial hub—it is one of the major global cities of the world. It competes with Shanghai, São Paulo, and Istanbul in shaping the economy of the Global South. With its stock exchange, ports, media influence, and growing fintech and startup scenes, Mumbai plays a crucial role in international business.
It is also a centre for diplomacy, education, research, and tourism. Prestigious institutions like IIT Bombay, TISS, and the University of Mumbai attract scholars from across the world. The Gateway of India, Elephanta Caves, and Marine Drive offer a rich blend of history and modernity.
In a globalized economy, Mumbai’s success is tied not just to India’s future but to the world's.
Conclusion: Mumbai, A Necessity Beyond Measure
Mumbai is not just a city where people live—it is a city that lives within people. It gives voice to the voiceless and direction to the aimless. It doesn’t promise luxury, but it promises possibility. And for millions of Indians, that promise is all that matters.
Yes, Mumbai is crowded, noisy, and sometimes brutal. But it is also inspiring, rewarding, and fiercely alive. It is a necessity because it sustains the dreams of a nation. It is not perfect, but it is indispensable.
In every local train compartment, in every film set, in every startup garage, and in every street vendor’s cart—Mumbai tells a story. A story of survival. A story of hope. A story of dreams that refuse to die.
And that is why Mumbai is not just a city—it is a necessity.