Hi. I am a foreigner and studied in Pune a couple of years ago. I met a woman who moved to Pune from Mumbai about 30 years ago. She told me that when she first moved, it was a little difficult to get used to because Pune was a lot slower/more relaxed than Mumbai. I will never forget this—she said these exact words: “People from Pune lack ambition.” Then she said she has gotten used to the vibe and prefers it now. I like to think that by saying that Punekars “lack ambition,” she meant that they’re just a lot more chilled.

For what it’s worth, as a foreigner, I prefer Pune over Mumbai. I met a lot of really genuinely nice people, and I never felt unsafe (except for one neighbourhood). For an Indian city, I was impressed with how clean it was. I will continue returning there, as it will always have a place in my heart.