Janusz Bylinski
Consul General of Poland
A secret you discovered about Mumbai?
Its Parsi community—ancient, thoroughly bourgeois, cosmopolitan and open to European culture, yet practising its ancient rituals.

An Indian product or service you can’t do without?
Household and doorstep services. I have a wonderful maid, tailors and a yoga teacher who come to my house. One product I can do without is the Mumbai taxi.

Any fashion tips?
It seems to be a major feature of Mumbai life. I saw a woman living on the street, who wears her sari with grace, like a model.

Dared to try street food?
There is very good street food available at Taj Mahal hotel, I can recommend it to everyone.

A phrase you’re bound to hear?
Theek Hai.

Your road experiences?
It brings me down when I am immobilised in these constant traffic jams; on the other hand, when I need an energising flow of adrenaline, I try crossing the street.

What is sexy about Mumbai?
I think that in Mumbai power is very sexy, and sex can be powerful. Bollywood movies usually speak of both. Ordinary people feel attracted to the city because it lures them and seldom lets down (sometimes it does, like any sexy thing).

Have you been conned yet?
I do not think so, but maybe I am conned to believe that.

Truly, madly, deeply, Mumbai...
Truly yours, madly trying not to fall in love, deeply affected.

What are the similarities or differences between Mumbai and your hometown?
There are lots of differences between Warsaw and Mumbai; open spaces, parks, boulevards, playgrounds. But I see similarities in the people of these two cities—self-assured, open-minded and funny.

... contd.