In Residence

I’ve lived in Pavlova at Little Gibbs Road, Malabar Hill, ever since I came toMumbai about 30 years ago. Earlier the place was very uncluttered. Now there are lots ofbuildings coming up blocking what was once an unrestricted sea view. There are also a lotmore cars now. Sure sign of prosperity but it’s caused a tremendous lack of parkingspace. Whenever guests come over, they complain about having parked a mile away. ButI’ve no major complaints about the area. I love it. No sound of traffic ever reachesmy ears but I can hear the twitter of birds. Long ago, the Tatas had planted some saplingsalong the road; they’ve now become tall, shady trees. This area is kept very clean;even the post-Diwali debris is removed instantly. Everyone knows there’s a certainsnob value attached to Malabar Hill. I guess it’s because the CM and governor stayhere. Traditionally too, the city’s highest point is considered the most exclusive.Earlier all prominent families had homes here: the Tatas, the Jeejeebhoys, the Jinnahs....I can see Kumar and Neerja Birla’s flats from my terrace. Also Vinod Khanna’sand Tina Tahiliani Parikh’s. Shekhar and Rashmi Mehta are just a short distance away.Cyrus Broacha also stays near but I hear his dog more than I hear him.