So many of us who didn't grow up in Mumbai got to know the city like it was our own via Bollywood, says Akola native Mayur Sanap.
Indeed, the City of Dreams has had a constant presence on celluloid.
Its skyline, its landmarks, its alluring vibe set the mood of many a film.
Gateway Of India
It's impossible to forget that beautiful poster for Mani Ratnam's Bombay -- Manisha Koirala and Arvind Swamy under the arches of the Gateway.
Seen in many films -- Salaam Bombay!, Ghajini, Dhobi Ghat, Bluffmaster! among others, it lent itself to the title of the 1957 film starring Madhubala.
VT Or CSMT
From Chennai Express to Slumdog Millionaire to Million Dollar Arm, the gorgeous railway station has had a pivotal role in many Hindi and foreign films.
And who can forget SRK's daredevil stunt in Ra.One where the out-of-control locomotive crashes into the CSMT station?
Mumbai Locals
Be it Saajan Fernandes and Shaikh's conversations in The Lunchbox or Aditya and Tara's romantic glances in OK Jaanu or Anu and Prabha's mundane work travel in All We Imagine As Light, Mumbai local trains dutifully played its part in the journey of these characters.
Kaali Peelis
Remember the series of unfortunate events between John Abraham the passenger and Nana Patekar the cabbie in Taxi No 9211?
Or Ishaan Khatter and Ananya Pandey's romantic misadventure in Khaali Peeli?
The black-n-yellow colour-coded taxis make for a fun formula in Hindi movies.
Sea Link
From glimpses of its work-in-progress in Jhankaar Beats and Lage Raho Munna Bhai to SRK grooving to Chaleya in Jawan in front of the Sea Link, this glorious recent Mumbai landmark has embedded its sleek presence in Hindi cinema.
Haji Ali Dargah
The dargah, located in the middle of the sea, ventured into memorable Hindi songs like More Haji Piya from Ajay Devgn's Halla Bol and Fiza's Piya Haji Ali featuring Hrithik Roshan.
The climax of Amitabh Bachchan's Coolie was entirely shot at this shrine.
Marine Drive
Can we ever forget Marine Drive's umpteen cameos in Bolly flicks?
Ranbir Kapoor and Konkona Sen Sharma's first meet-up on the ocean promenade in Wake Up Sid... Parineeti Chopra and Ayushmann Khurrana's BFF moments in Meri Pyaari Bindu...
There's a sense of sukoon you feel walking on Marine Drive as is also depicted in countless films.