Which City Is Better, Mumbai Or Bengaluru? Film Producer’s Post Divides Internet

Mumbai and Bengaluru are among the most advanced cities in India. Both boast a thriving start-up culture. While Mumbai is the financial capital of the country, Bengaluru is touted as the Silicon Valley of India.

Recently, film producer and investor Natasha Malpani Oswal shared her musings about both cities. Talking about Bengaluru, Natasha said, “The city is an upcoming centre of power as paper wealth converts to real money- but it’s still early as the city transitions from town to thriving metropolis.”

She added, “Bombay, on the other hand, with its multigenerational wealth feels like it’s past its prime, but it’s not going to go down without a fight, and is clawing its way back to its glory days.” Natasha asked her followers to weigh in on the city they would bet on. Her post got over one lakh views and scores of responses.

An X user described Mumbai as “Bombay is like that 300-year-old castle which stands strong and will continue to stand strong, has only lost shine. Bangalore is a new expressway which will have potholes in 3 rainy seasons, and they will keep rebuilding for 5-10 years.”

Another person placed their bets on Mumbai and wrote, “Silicon Valley’s boom didn’t diminish New York’s allure. It’s a cliched comparison but Mumbai will always remain the city of dreams.’

Coming to the defence of Bengaluru, an X user wrote, “Like it or not, Bangalore will be growing even more for at least a decade. Mumbai has barely invested in the future (like EVs) and a lot of talent in finance, design and even liberal arts has shifted from Mumbai to Bangalore with no plans to go back.”

Giving a more balanced opinion, another person wrote, “Somebody said to me Bangalore is where the early stage grind happens. But Mumbai will remain the place the big boys/girls (growth) will remain. With that in mind, Bangalore is the future, Mumbai the present.”

An X user argued that people need to move beyond cities like Mumbai and Bengaluru and wrote, “Neither. Young investors like you need to convince founders that you can’t keep on building in cities which are way past unlivable and uncomputable. You also need to open your mind and realize that there is life and aspirations, hope and solid founders beyond NCR, MMR and BGL.”

Despite their thriving businesses, both Mumbai and Bengaluru grapple with poor public infrastructure such as sub-par roads and unreliable public transport. The cities also have a high cost of living, housing crisis, and growing pollution.