Lucknow holds more significance for theater figures Salim Arif and Lubna Salim than just being a homeland and sasural.
"While Mumbai is our Karmabhoomi, there are moments when we wish we could return and settle here," Lubna exclaims, to which her husband responds with a smile that conveys his own sentiment for his hometown.
Salim reminisces while strolling through their favorite spot, Hazratganj: "Being a local, I have a lot of memories, but with Lubna, I remember watching movies at Mayfair and enjoying coffee, sandwiches, and pastry platters at Quality Restaurant." 1990–1991 must be the year.
Cuisine and sambal
Buying clothes, buying spices, and enjoying delectable meals are among their list of must-do things.
"Aa kar to sabse pahle chaat khani hai, Lucknow mein! We perform that at multiple chaatwallas. It is a must to visit Akbari Gate and sample the specialties that are only found there. Shopping for chikankari is also essential, although intricacies and themes are becoming increasingly hard to find. And masalas are at the top of the list. I proceeded to Mata Badal Pansari to purchase hing, kewra itra, and yellow mirch. I purchased gujiya from the Akanksha store. Arif's primary focus is on hanging out with his friends.
"I cherish this location for many reasons beyond just being Salim's homeland and my spiritual home. This vibrant, wealthy city has strong ties to its historical heritage. I always discover something new when I visit, but the balance is the most exquisite feature. These days, it's more than simply that nawabon ka sheher. Lubna observes young people who are contemporary yet who still carry the culture and tehzeeb with them.
She continues, "I was delighted to see the Rumi Darwaza restored, Imambara illuminated, and on the same side, Hazratganj and contemporary Lucknow—Gomti Nagar and extension—in all of their splendor. It's really lovely how Lucknow maintains its past while embracing its modernity.
Arif remarks, "I have a lot of nostalgia for Lucknow University. The epidemic threw a shadow over the 2020 centennial celebrations, which I attended. On my most recent visit, though, I was happy to see the university's vibrant cultural aspect. I was happy to see the younger generation's enthusiasm for the culture we once had, since it brought back memories of my own. We may not have had the best academic records (laughs), but we did win awards for the university in the arts and culture.
Lubna continues, "I read the sign that said 'ragging-free campus,' and I was very impressed." In addition, the kids exuded a lot of energy and enthusiasm.
For his city, the Lucknowite has a dream. "In Lucknow, I want to provide a location where young people and senior citizens may get together, enjoy some refreshments, and watch a play. I don't have that type of money, but I can conceptualize and carry it out by investing my time and effort in developing a business strategy. Government assistance and commercial participation could be obtained, although overly optimistic expectations of the government are not recommended.
"With people like us, there is a problem: Lucknowites think we are Mumbaiwallah, while people in Mumbai think we are from the North," he writes in a concluding message. Even so, I'm glad that I belong to a number of local organizations and that individuals in this area keep in touch with us. We enjoy returning. Lubna smiles and nods her head.
