How Mumbai’s Culture Influences Creativity
Mumbai! If ever there was a city in India that could be called a melting pot in the truest sense of the term, it is this one! People from all regions, religions, castes, creeds, communities, financial and cultural persuasions gravitate towards this metropolis in search of meaning and fulfillment to their lives. It isn’t surprising, then, that Mumbai has the most number of creative agencies out of all cities in India. You see, exposure to a wide spectrum of people, thoughts, practices, and preferences nurtures creativity, and Mumbai is ripe with exposure! That’s why you’ll see artists in Mumbai, advertisers in Mumbai, content marketers in Mumbai…and people like me content writing in Mumbai too 🙂
Mumbai’s cultural tapestry has been shaped by centuries of migration, trade, and diverse communities coexisting within its boundaries. Mumbai’s influence on creativity arises from many of these cultural aspects that are weaved into this fabric. Here are some of them.
Mumbai’s Rich History
Historical migration brings together people from different regions, each with their unique perspectives, experiences, and creative expressions. Mumbai has not only had Portuguese and British colonisers but has also been a part of a centuries old trade route. As individuals from diverse backgrounds interacted and exchanged ideas over time, Mumbai saw a cross-pollination of cultural influences, resulting in the emergence of new architecture, art forms, music styles, literary works, and artistic techniques. A walk down South Mumbai – its sights, sounds, and smells – is sure to inspire creativity in its many forms!
Mumbai’s Cosmopolitan Population
Mumbai’s cosmopolitan population encourages the fusion of different cultural elements and the creation of hybrid cultural expressions. Could Chetan Bhagat have written The Two States without living in the melting pot of Mumbai? Could Ariel have created the #ShareTheLoad campaign without living amidst working couples in mega cities like Mumbai? I think not!
Mumbai’s Economic Opportunities
It may sound ironic, but it’s true – a vibrant economy fuels creativity! Economic growth fuels innovation and entrepreneurship. This creates a need for sales and marketing and all associated creative functions. As the largest tax paying city in India, Mumbai is the financial capital of the country with a thriving economic infrastructure. This builds the need for creative agencies, who hire creative professionals who are trained by colleges, universities and other training institutes who specialise in creative fields. For someone who feels creatively inclined, this kind of ecosystem helps build, nurture, and sustain creativity in the long run. It isn’t just sales and advertising, though. A strong economy attracts investment in many other creative industries such as film, fashion, and design.
Food and Cuisine
Taste stimulates the senses. It evokes feelings of nostalgia and fond memories. These emotions lie at the heart of creating something from scratch whether it is in the form of fine arts, design, photography, dance, or storytelling. With Mumbai’s vibrant food and nightlife scene, people can indulge and let loose, and bring life to their imagination.
Bollywood and TV
First and foremost, Bollywood and television serve as powerful mediums for influencing popular culture and shaping societal norms. Close proximity to this industry opens people up to diverse narratives and artistic styles. But the entertainment industry also provides a platform for aspiring artists, filmmakers, actors, musicians, and writers to showcase their talents. And this, in turn, encourages more aspirants to the creative side. Think about it – a content writer in Mumbai has far more opportunities than one in Jalgaon. Obviously, more youngsters will then aspire to pursue content writing in Mumbai, fueling the creative ecosystem.
Creativity is a function of innovation, diversity and cultural vibrancy and Mumbai has them all. Whether you were born here or have lived here for a few years, if you call it your city, you know it has left a mark on you. How has Mumbai influenced your creativity?