Firdous Shaikh: "It was the charm of the name ‘Bombay’ that brought me to this city and Bollywood"

Firdous Shaikh, the producer of the upcoming multi-language film Bombay, opens up about her deep connection to the city, the story behind the film's title, and her journey from Bangalore to Bollywood.

By Bollyy 24 May 2025 in Entertainment

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Firdous Shaikh, the producer of the upcoming multi-language film Bombay, opens up about her deep connection to the city, the story behind the film's title, and her journey from Bangalore to Bollywood. Under the banner of Sanam Productions India, Bombay marks her latest cinematic venture following Third Eye and One Story Many Ends.

We meet Firdous at her residence, where she warmly shares insights into her film and the inspiration behind it.

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**Why the title Bombay?**

“When I began this film, many questioned why I chose a title already associated with Mani Ratnam’s iconic film. My answer was simple: just like people can share names and still be unique individuals, films too can share a title but offer entirely different stories, styles, and audiences,” she explains.

“Mani Ratnam is a master filmmaker, and his audience has a distinct taste. But there’s also a larger audience—one that seeks relatable, mainstream narratives rooted in Mumbai’s pulse. This film is for them. For me personally, the name Bombay has always held a certain magnetism. It’s what pulled me towards this city and this industry.”

film bombay 2025

Did the Censor Board object to the title?

“There was a minor hiccup,” she admits. “The board initially raised a concern, but our writer-director Sanjay Niranjan clarified that the story is set during the early ’90s, a time when the city was indeed called Bombay. The name officially changed post-1996. Once they understood the historical context, they approved the original title without further issues.”

A Story Set in the Shadows of ’93

Asked about the film’s premise, Firdous offers a teaser: “You’ll have to watch it in theatres. But yes, Bombay is set in the aftermath of the 1993 communal riots. We’ve depicted the transformation of the city and its underworld in the wake of those events. It’s a slice of history that can’t be called Mumbai, because at that time, it was Bombay. The film captures that era’s chaos and undercurrents in a raw, visual format.”

firdous shaikh actress

**What makes Bombay unique?**

“Whether you call it Bombay or Mumbai, this city is a microcosm of India,” Firdous says passionately. “It represents every corner of our country—from New York-level ambition to Jhumeri Talaiya’s simplicity. It's a melting pot where Hollywood dreams blend with Bollywood reality. It’s a land of contradictions—glamour and grit, underworld and dreams, fear and hope.”

Firdous further adds, “This film is made in four languages—Hindi, Kannada, Marathi, and Telugu—to reflect the diversity this city embraces. We hope it resonates widely and touches ₹100 crore at the box office.”

firdous shaikh actress

What’s Next for Firdous?

While she’s already planning a film with Sanjay Dutt, she’s currently focused on Bombay. “Let’s talk about other projects later,” she smiles. “Right now, Bombay is ready to hit theatres and that's our only goal. We just need your blessings.”

pari mirza film bombay

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