Neerav Panchamiya, Operations Head, E-Square Multiplex
Mumbai has been home to me for 21 years and I've spent some great times there. The Taj, in particular holds a special place in my heart. A lot of my friends were married there and it was a lovely place to be in, in those days. But now, it's in the limelight for all the wrong reasons. While it's understandable that terror strikes can take place anywhere, the scale and violence caused in this attack is unprecedented and unimaginable. And this time, the terrorists came by boat and landed at the Sassoon Dock, in the heart of Mumbai! I mean, imagine their audacity!

Chef Prashant Admane, Executive Chef, Sun-n-Sand
I was with the Oberoi Trident for about seven years and worked in all parts of the property. It was a most wonderful time. While working there, I could never imagine that one day, I'll have to see its public defacement splashed out on T.V. I remember, in 1989, while I was there, a huge fire broke out. It was serious but was soon brought under control. But nothing could've prepared us to expect such a huge, orchestrated strike on the hotel. Of course, I'd still like to go back, given an opportunity, and work there, despite all that has happened.

Rashi Sanson, Architect
I completed my architecture course from the J J School of Architecture and my hostel was on Marine Drive. All the places that are terror targets were frequented by me and my friends. Leopold Café was our favourite hangout and we often had dinner there. When you hear about all this, it shatters you completely and makes you jittery just thinking about, "What if I was there?" However, Mumbaikars have an undying spirit and they are a resilient lot. In this hour of trial, my heart goes out to my favourite city and I salute the spirit of the ordinary Mumbaikar.

... contd.