Dream Cities of The World - Vimla Patil

Vimla Patil was associated with Femina, India’s number one women’s magazine, published by the Times of India Group for 29 years. Femina is Vimla Patil's personal success story. Today, FEMINA is one of the strongest international brands with a vast readership in India and abroad. She initiated the Miss India contest in the mid-sixties for the journal and brought it to its present international stature. Vimla Patil promoted Indian textiles and fashion garments – especially handlooms – for decades by presenting over 4000 fashion shows in India and most countries of the world. After finishing her long stint with Femina, she built a brand new career for herself as a freelance multi-mediaperson with writing, events, public relations, shows and many more activities in her portfolio! Vimla Patil will be delighted to answer readers' questions. Please click on the comments page link at the bottom of the article to post your questions for her or to comment on her article.
Over the centuries, some of the world’s most glittering cities have been labeled as ‘dream cities’! This is because they are magnets that draw millions of people to seek money, fame and success while living and working in them. Some of these cities are Los Angeles (Hollywood), Paris, Milan, London, New York, Singapore, Dubai and most important, Mumbai (Bollywood)! While the dream factory of Hollywood sees thousands of would-be actors and film-makers flocking to the city with shining ambitions in their eyes, Paris and Milan attract artists, fashion designers, perfumiers and models. London, New York, Singapore, Dubai and Mumbai attract those devoted to the good life – through making their millions in business and finance. These cities, like several others across Europe and the USA, are the financial hubs of the world where the brave of heart and adventurous of spirit come to learn the tricks of the trade and settle down to make their fortunes.
Among these cities, Mumbai attracts hoardes of people from all over the world!
Mumbai, the glittering city on the west coast of India, they say, never sleeps. Its glittering streets, markets and business districts see life in its most frenetic form throughout the year, irrespective of holidays, festivals and normal working days. Its citizens are fun loving, generous and never miss an opportunity of celebrating life. Its markets, restaurants, entertainment plazas and religious monuments offer the visitors everything they wish for. No wonder then that all kinds of people who dream of big money, success, fame and magic in their lives, are attracted to Mumbai which now houses almost 15 million people – almost the population of a small country. Every day, trainfuls and busloads of people seeking their livelihood or a decent standard of life arrive in the city to make it their home!
But among those who come to Mumbai, Bollywood seekers are prominent!
Rajesh Khanna in Amar Prem (1971)
For over half a century, the huge film industry in Mumbai has drawn all dreamers to this city. One of the first – and most prominent – actors to seek his fortune in Mumbai was the late Prithviraj Kapoor whose sons (Raj, Shashi and Shammi), grandsons (Randhir, Rishi and Rajeev) and grand daughters (Karisma and Kareena) continued to make history in the industry. Rajesh Khanna came and conquered the marquees. Waheeda Rahman came, so did Dev Anand, Dilip Kumar and hundreds of others. Mumbai’s tradition of being the hub of fortune-seekers continues to this day.