Mumbai has officially been ranked as Asia’s happiest city according to the Time Out City Life Index 2025, and naturally, the news sparked plenty of reactions. However, psychic and healer Sharmila Cirvante had a refreshingly honest take on the whole thing.
Interestingly, Sharmila Cirvante admitted that she felt both surprised and unsurprised at the same time. According to her, happiness in Mumbai has very little to do with comfort, luxury, or convenience. Instead, it comes from the city’s unmatched energy, emotional resilience, and the way people somehow keep moving forward despite the chaos.
Moreover, she believes Mumbai’s spirit is something that can only truly be understood by the people who live through its madness every single day.
Mumbai Isn’t Exactly An Easy City
To begin with, Sharmila Cirvante did not romanticize the struggles of living in Mumbai. In fact, she openly acknowledged how exhausting city life can be.
From overcrowded local trains and endless traffic jams to sky-high rents and tiny apartments, Mumbai constantly tests people’s patience. On top of that, the city moves at a relentless pace, leaving very little time for people to slow down and breathe.
As a result, many Mumbaikars wake up every morning already stressed about the day ahead. Yet, despite all the pressure and frustration, people still feel emotionally connected to the city.
According to Sharmila Cirvante, that emotional attachment is exactly what makes Mumbai so unique.
The Beautiful Chaos Of Mumbai
At the same time, Sharmila Cirvante believes Mumbai’s happiness lies in its small everyday moments.
Unlike the calm and peaceful version of happiness people usually imagine, Mumbai offers something far messier, louder, and more chaotic. However, that chaos also comes with warmth and support.
For instance, something as simple as grabbing a vada pav when you are broke and hungry can instantly lift your mood. Similarly, finding an auto-rickshaw exactly when you desperately need one feels like a miracle in this city.
Even more importantly, Mumbai has a culture where strangers often step in to help each other during difficult moments. Whether it’s an emergency, a bad day, or simply being lost, people somehow show up when needed.
Because of this, the city creates a rare sense of belonging.
Why Mumbai Makes People Feel Alive
Without a doubt, life in Mumbai is exhausting. Nevertheless, Sharmila Cirvante feels that the city also gives people a powerful sense of purpose.
Unlike quieter places where life can feel repetitive or slow, Mumbai constantly buzzes with activity. There is always somewhere to go, someone to meet, or something happening around the corner.
Consequently, people feel emotionally and mentally engaged all the time.
According to her, people are not happy because life is easy here. Instead, they are happy because life feels full, meaningful, and exciting. The city pushes individuals to dream bigger, work harder, and evolve faster.
Furthermore, surviving in Mumbai naturally builds resilience. Over time, people learn how to adapt quickly, solve problems efficiently, and continue moving forward no matter how difficult things become.
Eventually, that survival instinct transforms into confidence.
A City That Welcomes Everyone
Another reason why Mumbai stands out, according to Sharmila Cirvante, is its inclusive nature.
No matter where someone comes from, the city gives everyone a chance to create their own identity. Whether a person is from a small town, another state, or even another country, Mumbai somehow makes space for them.
In addition, people here are usually too busy chasing their own ambitions to constantly judge others. That freedom allows individuals to simply focus on their goals and live life on their own terms.
As a result, many people feel accepted in Mumbai in ways they may never have experienced elsewhere.
Naturally, this welcoming energy becomes one of the biggest reasons why people fall deeply in love with the city.
The Stress Somehow Makes People Stronger
At the same time, Sharmila Cirvante did not ignore the darker side of Mumbai life.
After all, the city can be physically exhausting and emotionally overwhelming. People are constantly hustling, adjusting, and trying to stay ahead in an environment that never truly slows down.
However, according to her, that pressure also shapes people in powerful ways.
Because Mumbai forces individuals to adapt quickly, it gradually builds emotional strength and resilience. Instead of waiting for perfect circumstances, people here learn to create happiness in small moments.
Whether it is sharing food with friends, enjoying late-night conversations, or simply finding comfort after a long day, Mumbaikars know how to hold onto joy even during difficult times.
And honestly, that mindset is what truly separates Mumbai from other cities.
Happiness In Mumbai Is Evolving
Interestingly, Sharmila Cirvante also pointed out how the city’s lifestyle has evolved over the years.
Today, Mumbai offers better hangout spots, more lifestyle experiences, and greater awareness around mental health and self-care. While survival still remains a huge part of city life, people are now actively trying to balance ambition with emotional well-being.
For example, conversations around therapy, stress management, and mental health have become far more common than before. Similarly, people are increasingly making time for friendships, relaxation, travel, and personal happiness.
Consequently, happiness in Mumbai is no longer only about success or financial stability.
Instead, people are learning to appreciate life through shared struggles, meaningful conversations, comfort food, and emotional support systems.
Why Mumbai’s Spirit Feels Different
Despite all its flaws, Mumbai continues to hold a special emotional power over people.
Yes, the city constantly challenges its residents. However, it also gives them unforgettable memories, powerful human connections, and immense personal growth.
In fact, Sharmila Cirvante beautifully summed it up by explaining that Mumbai somehow always has its people’s backs. Even during moments of exhaustion, confusion, or uncertainty, the city gives individuals the strength to keep going.
Perhaps that is the real reason why Mumbai has been ranked as Asia’s happiest city.
Because sometimes happiness is not about having a perfect life. Instead, it is about feeling alive, supported, hopeful, and emotionally connected even in the middle of complete chaos.
And according to Sharmila Cirvante, that is exactly what Mumbai represents.
