From hometown showers to Mumbai downpours: Sony SAB artists share their favourite monsoon memories

Monsoon for some brings back memories of hot chai and family gatherings while for others it is a reminder of school holidays, lush green landscapes or simply slowing down to enjoy the weather. But after moving to Mumbai, many actors discover a completely different side of the season, one defined by resilience, fast-paced city life and an unwavering spirit that refuses to slow down. This monsoon, Sony SAB artists Iqbal Khan, Devish Ahuja, Khyati Vyas, Nitin Babu, Muskan Bamne, and Manish Wadhwa reflect on experiencing the rains in Mumbai versus their hometowns and share how monsoon holds a special place in their hearts.

Iqbal Khan, who essays the role of Dr. Dev Mehta in Yaadein, shared, “I grew up in Kashmir, and monsoons there are completely different from what Mumbai experiences. Back home, the rain feels gentle and almost poetic, you notice the mountains looking even more beautiful and the weather becoming pleasantly cool. Mumbai, on the other hand has its own personality. The rain here is dramatic, unpredictable and yet the city never really stops. I enjoy both for different reasons, but Mumbai’s monsoon has taught me to embrace the chaos while Kashmir will always remain the place that brings me peace.”

Devish Ahuja, who plays Dr. Raunak Bhatia in Yaadein, shared, “I moved to Mumbai when I was around 15 or 16 so my memories of monsoon before that are very different. Back in Surat the biggest excitement was hoping for heavy rain because that usually meant a holiday from school! We would sit on the balcony with a cup of chai, hot pakodas and my dadi’s delicious parathas, just enjoying the weather. Mumbai completely changed that perspective. Here, no matter how much it rains, life goes on. I still remember getting stranded at college because of waterlogging, but everyone simply found a way to keep moving. That’s what I admire most about this city, it teaches you to keep going, rain or shine.”

Muskan Bamne who plays Shanaya in Pushpa Impossible, shared, “I grew up in Itarsi, where monsoon meant stepping out to enjoy the rain with family, the smell of wet mitti and evenings filled with hot snacks at home. After moving to Mumbai, I realised rain here comes with a completely different rhythm. You quickly learn to carry an umbrella everywhere and plan your day around the weather! Even though I sometimes miss the slower, more relaxed monsoons of my hometown, there’s something so magical about watching Mumbai continue to function despite the rain. Both places have given me beautiful memories in their own way.”

Manish Wadhwa, who plays Bhishma Pitamah in Hastinapur Ke Veer, shared, “I grew up in Ambala, Haryana, where monsoon always felt peaceful and refreshing. The first spell of rain would cool the weather, the earthy fragrance would fill the air and it was the perfect excuse to enjoy hot chai and pakoras with family. Those are memories I’ll always cherish. Mumbai’s monsoon, however, has a completely different character. The rain here is much more intense, and yet what amazes me every year is how the city continues to function with the same determination and eating chai and Kanda Bhajiya in Mumbai rain hits different. Personally, while I enjoy the calmness of Ambala’s rains, after spending so many years in Mumbai, I’ve come to admire the resilience and spirit that the city’s monsoon represents.”

Khyati Vyas, who plays Dr. Ananya in Yaadein, shared, “I’ve spent my life moving from one city to another because of my father’s government job, so I’ve experienced monsoons in many different ways. Assam had heavy rains and humidity very similar to Mumbai, Gujarat’s rains were much gentler, while Rajasthan hardly saw much rain at all. Every place has its own beauty, and I think that’s something I’ve learnt over the years – to appreciate wherever you are. Right now, I genuinely enjoy Mumbai’s monsoon and when I visit my hometown, Jodhpur, I cherish those rains just as much because every place has its own charm.”

Tune in to watch Yaadein, Hastinapur Ke Veer and Pushpa Impossible, only on Sony SAB.