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Milind Soman on Mumbai Exodus: People Want Gardens, Space, and Greenery

Actor and fitness icon Milind Soman observes a growing trend of people leaving Mumbai to seek more personal space, gardens, and a connection with nature. He acknowledges the city's unique, energetic appeal for many residents while highlighting increased traffic as its most significant negative change. Soman credits digital connectivity and remote work opportunities for enabling this lifestyle shift to more remote areas. Reflecting personally, he shares his lifelong connection to Mumbai's Shivaji Park, even as the city transforms around it.

Key Points: Milind Soman on Why People Are Leaving Mumbai for Greener Spaces

  • Urban exodus for space & greenery
  • Mumbai's enduring appeal for some
  • Traffic cited as biggest change
  • Remote work enabling the shift
  • Personal connection to Shivaji Park
3 min read

Milind Soman says many people are leaving Mumbai: They want their own garden, their space

Actor Milind Soman discusses the trend of people moving out of Mumbai for more space, gardens, and a quieter lifestyle, citing traffic and remote work.

Milind Soman says many people are leaving Mumbai: They want their own garden, their space
"A lot of people feel that 'I want my garden and I want trees, good space and those people move out.' - Milind Soman"

Mumbai, March 24

Actor and fitness enthusiast Milind Soman, in an exclusive conversation with, expressed his thoughts over the growing desire among people to move out of Mumbai in search of more space, greenery and a quieter lifestyle.

Highlighting this shift in mindset, he told IANS, "A lot of people feel that 'I want my garden and I want trees, good space and those people move out."

"In fact, a lot of people are moving out of the city, whoever can. They are buying land, they're starting farming,"* he said.

At the same time, the actor also acknowledged that while Mumbai has its own set of flaws, it still appeals to many. "There are people who love living in Mumbai because it's crowded, because it's exciting, because there's so much energy," said Milind.

Reflecting on how the city has changed over time, he added, "I have seen pictures of Mumbai from the 1800s when it was just a village and the bridges were not even built, they were islands. So things change... and they have changed of course."

Sharing his personal connection to the city, he said, "Shivaji Park in Dadar where I lived from my childhood, I mean it's not the same, but the park is still there, and it is a fantastic place."*l

Pointing out the biggest change in the city of dreams over the years, Milind noted, "Traffic has increased, that to me is the biggest change. People are buying cars every day. They have gone from one to three cars, four cars, five cars. There's just too much traffic."

Calling it an inevitable part of development, he explained, "That's the way development is, that's the way progress is. You can't stop people from buying cars and building houses... that's the dream people have."

Crediting digital connectivity, he added, "Because of the internet and the whole virtual world, they are able to work from remote areas... that is a huge opportunity."

Milind who recently turned 60 years, has been a Mumbai, rather a Dadar boy in specific all his life.

The actor who has been a part of the entertainment industry for over three decades, was a supermodel back in the 90s era.

On the professional front currently, the actor is all geared up for his upcoming project Kaattaan alongside South Star Vijay Sethupathi.

The show is set to go on air from the 27th of March on Jio Hotstar.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
Traffic is the biggest killer. Spending 3-4 hours commuting daily is not a life. If companies allow permanent WFH, half of Mumbai would relocate. The dream is changing from a 1BHK in Andheri to a 3BHK in Nashik.
A
Aman W
True for those who can afford it. But what about the millions for whom Mumbai is still the city of opportunity? Not everyone can just buy land and start farming. This is a privileged perspective.
S
Sarah B
It's a global trend post-pandemic. The desire for space and greenery over concrete jungles. Mumbai will always have its charm, but the work-from-anywhere model is a game-changer for Indian professionals.
V
Vikram M
Shivaji Park is still the heart of Dadar! But yes, the city has changed. The cost of living is insane. You need a crore just for a decent 2BHK now. No wonder people are looking at Tier-2 cities.
K
Kavya N
My parents' generation came to Mumbai for jobs. Our generation is leaving for quality of life. It's a complete shift. But I hope this migration eases the pressure on Mumbai's infrastructure. The local trains are inhuman during peak hours.

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