Bombay vs. Mumbai!!!!

An interesting interview that I read prompted me to write this blog ahead of the one I intended to. The said interview is the one where Shobha De was the guest on Karan Thapar's show Devil's advocate. Although I do not necessarily concur to everything she says, the fact that she is strongly opinionated makes me take notice of her and either agree or disagree with her. Although I ain't any social commentator, I would still like to put down my perceptions. How do I perceive this recent, over-glorified (rather over-GORY-fied) Bombay vs. Mumbai divide?
I have always felt that the city has both a Bombay and a Mumbai flavor to it but perhaps the flavors were not distinct and the city seemed to be a great amalgam of the two discrete cultures. The Bombay culture was probably a more closer and personal identity to people who had migrated to this city decades ago to pursue a dream and realize it. These were the people who never perceived Bombay as a part of Maharashtra but always thought of it as the fulcrum of what Indian represented- A cosmopolitan city, a land of opportunities and a city of aspirations and a city of harmony. While Chennai carries a distinct essence of Tamilnadu, Kolkata of West Bengal to elucidate my point, Bombay has been an independent entity in itself where all these different essences juxtaposed in the most beautiful and harmonious manner. These people who spoke different languages were bound by their common sensibilities and their intense urge and drive to accomplishments and the desire to carve their own niche.
Having said that, there were these second kind of people who identified more with the makeover of Bombay to Mumbai as they felt (and rightfully so if I may add) the new identity and name to a considerable extent salvaged the strong and rich cultural and historical identity of Mumbai which stems from it being a part of Maharashtra. These people felt that it is very necessary for everyone to imbibe this cultural and linguistic aspect of Mumbai and undo their "Bombayite Avtaar" and the don the "Mumbaikar garb".
Let me quickly cite an observation. Having lived in the US for over 4 years now and having lived in the East coast and the mid-west, I have realized that this country too has four distinct regional identities- The east Coast, The Mid-West, the South and the West Coast and every city in these 4 zones conforms completely to its regional and cultural flavor. (was that the longest sentence in english there????) Since the linguistic diversity here is not as pronounced as it is in India, this cultural demarcation is not as polarized as it is in India. Since USA is perceived as a superpower and a highly developed nation, the statement I made above may seem counter intuitive to many.
Coming back to why i thought to write this blog is the happening in the city over the past few months seem to be disturbing the fine Bombay vs. Mumbai balance that the city has exhibited. I don't know what the common man feels or does his opinion even matter even if he chooses to voice it. Do I want to live in Mumbai as an Indian or reside in Mumbai as a Mumbaikar. My definition of a Mumbaikar is the one who epitomizes simplicity of thought, living tolerance dedication and resilience. Does one need to speak a particular dialect to exemplify their "Mumbaikar" self or is it an innate quality every resident of Mumbai bears unhindered by any barriers whatsoever...I do not know the answer!!!!!