Mumbai: the Infernal Megalopolis

It’s one of the most populous cities on the planet with 22 million inhabitants, predicted to increase to 30 million by 2035. Nicknamed ‘the infernal Metropolis’, Mumbai is a city in perpetual development. But with millions of people living in slums located on valuable real estate, how can city planners balance the competing needs of the population? In Dharavi, the largest slum in Asia, over one million people are packed into the slum. But although its residents are poor, there’s a real dynamism. Mahesh, 27, was born and lives in this slum and would never leave it. He runs a recycling plant and employs around 20 people. Dharavi’s underground economy is thought to generate 800 million euros per year. But it also lies on prime real estate in the very centre of Mumbai so its future is in doubt. Every day, new towers of glass or concrete emerge from the earth. With the support of the municipality, real estate tycoon, Babulal Varma, razes slums to build luxury apartments for the upper classes. As the city constantly expands, it pushes into the surrounding forests and natural spaces, such as Sanjay Gandhi Park. The fifty leopards who live there regularly make forays into the new housing estates. They attack stray dogs, but also the inhabitants. Each year, several people are killed by feline attacks. At night, forest department rangers patrol to prevent leopard incursions. 0:00 The documentary 0:24 Mumbai’s overcrowded trains pose safety risks and challenges for commuters. 7:19 Mumbai, a city of dreams and contrasts, with a booming film industry and a massive slum. 14:08 The story of two residents in Mumbai, one from a slum and one from a luxury apartment, who have achieved success in their respective fields. 19:52 The city is growing and to accommodate the increasing population, the chief of Omkar, Babulal, plans to demolish the slums and build new buildings. 26:12 The rehabilitation of slums in Mumbai has resulted in luxury skyscrapers for some former residents, while others are forced to live in decrepit apartments on the outskirts of the city. 32:15 Mumbai’s dabbawalas are a reliable and unique food delivery system. 38:17 French entrepreneurs in Mumbai are capitalizing on the city’s economic growth and catering to the emerging middle class. 43:59 The increasing urbanization of Mumbai has led to conflicts between humans and leopards in the Sanjay Gandhi National Park. 49:51 Leopards in Mumbai are increasingly attacking humans, leading to tragic deaths and anger among the affected families. Directors: Marc de La Villardière & Manolo d’Arthuys