Exclusive: Ayesha Singh reveals the Mumbai lingo she uses the most, love for Vada Pav, tapri ki chai and more

Ayesha Singh/PR image

Ayesha Singh also known as Sai from Star Plus's hit show ‘Ghum Hai Kisikey Pyaar Mein' tells mid-day.com that though she grew up in the North, Mumbai has been an important part of her life since childhood. The actress loves enjoying a meal at Gallops and spending the night at Marine Drive with loved ones. Read on to find out more!

Vada Pav or Pav Bhaji?
Vada Pav definitely because ‘Mumbai ki jaan hai Vada Pao.' It's easily available, affordable and you can survive on it.

Rickshaw or Kaali Peeli?
Rickshaw because one can enjoy the breeze brushing through your hair while sitting in it. It's quick and you can find it everywhere. Baarish ka mazza rickshaw mein hi hai (laughs).

Juhu Beach or Bandra Bandstand?
Very difficult, I love beaches! I'm a beach person, so Juhu beach, plus I've spent a lot of my time around Juhu beach because I studied at SNDT Women's University, Juhu campus. Bandstand has its own charm and I feel refreshed after visiting the place. It's a tough call but because of the nostalgia at Juhu I have to pick it. However, you must visit Bandstand during the rains and eat bhutta.

Gateway of India or Marine Drive?
A tough call again! Gateway of India during the day because of the ferry rides, shopping and there's so much to see. I love ferries, boats and ships. In fact, going on a cruise is a dream of mine. Marine Drive at night, because of Queen's necklace, the sea breeze, it feels like the waves are talking to you. You can spend the entire night there. Marine Drive during night time defines Mumbai because people are going through so much and running around throughout the day, but when you sit at Marine Drive watching the sea or the moonlit sky, you resonate with the spirit of the city. It makes you feel like you can face any difficulty and float through it. Talking to the waves is amazing. I often go with my friends or family. My cousins love it and we spend the entire night there, till a point where people come out for their morning jog.

Local train or BEST bus?
I have travelled in both and I find both convenient and comforting. When it's a long route, of course, locals are best. You get to enjoy and there are vendors who sell hairbands and clips. A lot of times you meet mandalis who sing songs along the way. If it's your everyday route, you make friends with co-passengers. I used to travel to college by train, but I would take a bus to the station and back. I'm a little biased to trains because travelling in them is fun!

Tapri ki chai or sol kadi?
Tapri ki chai, because I haven't tasted sol kadi and also I'm a chai fan. I like adrak wali kadak chai, especially during rains with pakoras.

Favourite restaurant in the city?
Gallops in town, with the beautiful racecourse view. Hang around with friends, the food is good, service is nice.

Favourite place in Mumbai?
Spending time in Borivali with my extended family.

The Mumbai lingo you use the most?
I use a lot of ‘chal na' though I'm not sure if it's Mumbai lingo. But I've started using it after coming to Mumbai.

What do you love most about the city?
I had been visiting Mumbai since I was a child because my maternal grandparents and extended family stayed here. I used to visit during summer vacations and have childhood memories here. I shifted to the city for college and I made friends here. Now I'm working in Mumbai, it's amazing that the city has been an important part of my life since childhood. I love the rains, people, language, I love the spirit of Mumbai. People are so busy but in the hour of need, you will never be alone. A lot of people come to Mumbai to make their life and everybody finds something.

Watching a play at Prithvi theatre or watching a movie at Gaiety Galaxy?
Watching a play at Prithvi Theatre I'm not sure what Gaiety Galaxy is! You have so much talent, art and culture under one roof. There are intellectual discussions you get to be a part of. I think that's the place to be for an artist. I definitely enjoy watching plays there.

Mumbai during rains or Mumbai during winters?
I didn't like rains growing up, but I started liking rains when I came to Mumbai. I may crib about the muck, but Mumbai is beautiful during rains. I grew up in the North, so I've experienced winters, I love winters in Agra and Delhi. Mumbai unfortunately doesn't see heavy winters, but heavy rains are beautiful. There is so much thrill during heavy rainfall, people keep tab of the weather situation, whether school and colleges will shut, if trains are running. It's an experience in itself! You get to enjoy garam chai and garam pakoras, there are lovely songs and stories playing on the radio. Go to Lonavala, National Park, nightlong camps and treks, and enjoy the rains.

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