Mumbai's Remarkable Uber Driver: A Blend of Politeness and Knowledge

A recent Uber ride in Mumbai turned into an unexpected delight as the driver, Mohd Salim, impressed with his politeness, knowledge of Sanskrit, and dedication to education.

MumbaiUber DriverSanskritAqualine MetroRex BakeryReal Estate MumbaiOct 13, 2025

Mumbai's Remarkable Uber Driver: A Blend of Politeness and Knowledge
Real Estate Mumbai:Yesterday, we had a most pleasant surprise when we booked an Uber cab to go to BKC Metro station from where we planned to take the Aqualine 3 train to Hutatma Chowk. The cab was neat, and the driver was a bearded Muslim gentleman in a clean white dress wearing a typical “jali topi.” He greeted us with a polite ‘good morning’ and asked for the booking code number. When we gave it to him, he said “dhanyawad” in pure Hindi. Out of curiosity, we started talking to him.

He introduced himself as Mohd Salim, a 55-year-old man from Pratapgarh in Uttar Pradesh. Salim shared that he had learned Sanskrit and could recite entire Sanskrit “shlokas” fluently. He proudly mentioned that he has two sons, one of whom is pursuing his doctorate, while the other has completed his law degree. “Education is everything,” he explained, emphasizing the importance of learning and personal growth.

The Aqualine Metro, a 33.5-km-long line, is a game-changing connectivity project for Mumbai. The state government and its IAS officer, Ashwini Bhide, deserve a standing ovation for this engineering feat. Despite some initial issues like entry-exit problems and signage, the fast connectivity provided by the Aqualine line from Andheri East to Cuffe Parade is truly a godsend. One can escape the noise, pollution, and traffic jams and reach their destination in air-conditioned comfort. The authorities have done their job, and it is now up to Mumbaikars to make this Rs37,000-crore project a super success.

Rex Bakery, located on Hormusji Street off Colaba market, is a 24/7 culinary gem that has been serving fresh-from-the-oven “paavs,” buns, “kharis,” and other treats for years. Even during the 2008 terrorist attack on the Nariman House, Rex continued to feed the hungry. The bakery is a small place opposite the Hasidic Jew synagogue and is a must-visit for anyone in the Colaba area.

A message doing the rounds on social media says, “Deepavali hamara tyohar hai, Amazon ka nahi.” This sentiment highlights the cultural significance of Diwali and the importance of supporting local businesses and traditions over corporate giants. It’s a reminder to celebrate our festivals with a sense of community and heritage.

Frequently Asked Questions

Who is Mohd Salim and what makes him unique?

Mohd Salim is a 55-year-old Uber driver from Pratapgarh, Uttar Pradesh. He is known for his politeness, knowledge of Sanskrit, and dedication to education. He can recite Sanskrit shlokas fluently and emphasizes the importance of education.

What is the Aqualine Metro and why is it significant for Mumbai?

The Aqualine Metro is a 33.5-km-long line that connects Andheri East to Cuffe Parade. It is a significant project for Mumbai as it provides fast, air-conditioned connectivity, helping residents escape the city's noise, pollution, and traffic jams.

What is Rex Bakery known for?

Rex Bakery, located in Colaba, is known for its 24/7 service and fresh-from-the-oven treats like ‘paavs,’ buns, and ‘kharis.’ It has been a local gem for years and even continued to serve during the 2008 terrorist attack on the Nariman House.

What is the social media message about Diwali?

The social media message says, ‘Deepavali hamara tyohar hai, Amazon ka nahi.’ It emphasizes the cultural significance of Diwali and the importance of supporting local businesses and traditions over corporate giants.

What are some initial issues with the Aqualine Metro?

Some initial issues with the Aqualine Metro include entry-exit problems and signage. However, these are expected to be resolved in the coming weeks, and the overall fast and comfortable connectivity is highly appreciated.

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