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The place in which we grow up defines our personality. And when Ranveer Singh says he's a true blue Bandra boy, we nod in agreement. He didn't venture out of this comfort zone for the first 15 years of his life. His school, family, friends…his entire life was centred around Bandra. Today, he's in a mood to look back…to literally go down the memory lane!
Learners' Academy
Life revolved around school (Learners' Academy). I was in the thick of activity there. I was a good student and also the leader when it came to mischief. For some reason or the other, I used to be in the principal's office every week. Now I find it funny but back then it was traumatic. More so for my parents who were regularly summoned and told things like — 'Your son is the rotten apple of the school and is ruining all the other students.' I used to climb the water tank on the school's terrace and chill. I got caught only when a woman living in the adjacent building saw me and complained to the school. Because of my popularity amongst my peers, I was made Junior Captain to Vice Captain to Head Boy.
Life revolved around school (Learners' Academy). I was in the thick of activity there. I was a good student and also the leader when it came to mischief. For some reason or the other, I used to be in the principal's office every week. Now I find it funny but back then it was traumatic. More so for my parents who were regularly summoned and told things like — 'Your son is the rotten apple of the school and is ruining all the other students.' I used to climb the water tank on the school's terrace and chill. I got caught only when a woman living in the adjacent building saw me and complained to the school. Because of my popularity amongst my peers, I was made Junior Captain to Vice Captain to Head Boy.
Peace Haven ground
My school didn't have a playground of its own. So, we used to be brought to Peace Haven ground (St. Andrew's Road) for our games period. The best part was that the classrooms at the back of Carmel Convent Girls School overlooked this ground. So, major flirting happened. The girls used to peep through the windows and we'd smile at them as we played. I remember saving a crucial penalty goal by fluke when I sat on the ball and stopped the goal. I became a hero after that. All our football tournaments took place there. Intra-house tournaments would feel like the World Cup. Those tournaments are my best memories of this ground.
My school didn't have a playground of its own. So, we used to be brought to Peace Haven ground (St. Andrew's Road) for our games period. The best part was that the classrooms at the back of Carmel Convent Girls School overlooked this ground. So, major flirting happened. The girls used to peep through the windows and we'd smile at them as we played. I remember saving a crucial penalty goal by fluke when I sat on the ball and stopped the goal. I became a hero after that. All our football tournaments took place there. Intra-house tournaments would feel like the World Cup. Those tournaments are my best memories of this ground.
New India General Store
New India is a special store for me. It was my meeting point. If two guys were to fight, it was always — 1 pm, New India. Even my first fist fight, which was with Kamal Amrohi's grandson Bilal, took place here. It was a brutal fight. I thought he was getting too big for his boots and he thought the same about me. He's a friend today but at that time it was major drama. We were just punching each other. It was basically a clash of egos. Ours was the fight which made New India the destination for all fights.
New India is a special store for me. It was my meeting point. If two guys were to fight, it was always — 1 pm, New India. Even my first fist fight, which was with Kamal Amrohi's grandson Bilal, took place here. It was a brutal fight. I thought he was getting too big for his boots and he thought the same about me. He's a friend today but at that time it was major drama. We were just punching each other. It was basically a clash of egos. Ours was the fight which made New India the destination for all fights.
Nathan's Lane (Pali Hill)
My friend Nathan used to live here and that's why we call this street Nathan's lane. Nathan and I would leave our homes pretending to go to school but we'd roam around in these lanes instead. Once we were caught loafing and were suspended from school. Here, I made out for the first time in public. After school, one of my first girlfriends and I'd walk around here hand-in-hand before heading for tuition. Whenever we realised there was no one, we'd kiss. Fun times they were!
My friend Nathan used to live here and that's why we call this street Nathan's lane. Nathan and I would leave our homes pretending to go to school but we'd roam around in these lanes instead. Once we were caught loafing and were suspended from school. Here, I made out for the first time in public. After school, one of my first girlfriends and I'd walk around here hand-in-hand before heading for tuition. Whenever we realised there was no one, we'd kiss. Fun times they were!
Carter Road
Carter Road was 'the' hang out place for me. Guys would come here in their fathers' cars, park there and chill. The conversations were only about money, power, bikes and cars. Who had the most money? Who had the fanciest car? Your place in the group's hierarchy was determined by the car you drove. Some rich guys used to come in their Mercedes Benz. I had my bike so my position was way down. We used to race and drive fast; all the residents were up in arms against us. I ate Kathi rolls every evening from a rollwallah here. As I said, I never had enough pocket money; the rich guys always bought the rolls for me. Easily, the most enjoyable time of my life.
Carter Road was 'the' hang out place for me. Guys would come here in their fathers' cars, park there and chill. The conversations were only about money, power, bikes and cars. Who had the most money? Who had the fanciest car? Your place in the group's hierarchy was determined by the car you drove. Some rich guys used to come in their Mercedes Benz. I had my bike so my position was way down. We used to race and drive fast; all the residents were up in arms against us. I ate Kathi rolls every evening from a rollwallah here. As I said, I never had enough pocket money; the rich guys always bought the rolls for me. Easily, the most enjoyable time of my life.
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