In a city of shrinking open spaces, five 30-year-olds play football to alleviate stress and frustrations of an urban life. Sundays are set aside for the sport, also doubling up as a time to bond and catch-up on each others’ lives. But there comes a day, when they are no longer allowed to play at Juhu beach – their favourite spot in the city. Thus begins the group’s search for a new playing ground.
Tu Hai Mera Sunday, which played at BFI London Film Festival and the Jio MAMI 18th Mumbai Film Festival with Star last year, releases today. In case the film generates a sudden craving to play soccer, we thought it would be best to ask the director and actors of the film to recommend some sweet spots in Mumbai, where you could head for a game or two.
Milind Dhaimade
Debut filmmaker, Milind Dhaimade, studied at St. Xavier’s High School, Fort, which houses a large playground, so playing sports was an integral part of his childhood. “Later in college I played football for a short while, but I was more interested in theatre and so everything else took a backseat,” he says. The filmmaker has seen the city change since then, and with that witnessed the lesser-known spaces disappear with time. “But there is plenty of space along the old dockyard road at Wadala,” Dhaimade points out. “There’s lots and lots of space lying waste. If you can find a way to convince the security!” he warns.
According to the filmmaker, if you have the money then you could head to any of the football courts springing up in the city. But if you don't mind sharing space then there are a few open grounds from Azad Maidan to Bandra Talao. “If you are very creative then you can find spaces in basement car parks,” he adds. But for the filmmaker, Juhu beach remains the best unofficial place to play football in the city.
Vishal Malhotra
For the 37-year-old actor, who grew up playing soccer at D'Monte Park in Bandra, the first option is always Juhu beach. But among the hidden gems, he recommends a small open space in Chuim village in Bandra west, which is large enough to play football with six players on each side.
Maanvi Gagroo
The 32-year-old actor informs us that there a few mini fields where you can book a slot and play a game. “Honestly, I don’t know of many, and unfortunately there aren’t too many options in the city,” says Gagroo. Although she points out to a turf atop Citi Mall in Andheri, which makes for a good space to play soccer. She grew up playing football in a public park in Model Town, Andheri, which has a tiny field. “Every time I cross it and see people playing I feel like just joining them,” she shares.
Barun Sobti
Growing up in Delhi, Sobti played football in his residential colony. After moving to Mumbai, the 33-year-old actor finds all good football grounds to be shopping malls, of which the artificial turf at Inorbit mall in Malad is his favourite.
Shahana Goswami
Raised in Delhi, Shahana Goswami says the Capital has many good options dedicated for sports like the Siri Fort Sports Complex. But after shifting base to Mumbai, she’s never found a dedicated place to play football. “You can’t fix a spot in a city like Bombay, you have to improvise every time,” says the 31-year-old actor.