Archive · 10 Nov 2025
Viral Video: 1970s Tourism Ad Showcases 'Beautiful Bombay'
Imagine looking back at a really old video that's like a postcard from the past!
This video is from the 1970s and shows what the city of Bombay was like when people wanted to visit.
It featured women in pretty sarees, horse races, and people having fun swimming, exercising, and even fishing.
The video also talked about how Bombay was a happy mix of different cultures and made visitors feel welcome.
It showed beautiful dances and suggested buying a special Indian saree as a souvenir.
Even though the city is now called Mumbai, this old video is a fun way to see how it used to be.
A 1970s tourism advertisement promoting 'Beautiful Bombay' has gone viral.
The video showcases activities like horse racing, swimming, gym workouts, yoga, and fishing.
It highlights Bombay as a cosmopolitan city, blending Eastern and Western influences.
Traditional cultural experiences including various classical dance forms are featured.
The ad suggests shopping for Indian sarees as souvenirs and shows foreigners enjoying beaches in swimsuits.
- Who
- Indian government (tourism promotion)
- What
- A vintage tourism advertisement for 'Beautiful Bombay'
- When
- 1970s (content of the ad)
- Where
- Bombay (now Mumbai), India
- Why
- To boost tourism by showcasing the city as a vibrant, cosmopolitan destination.
Ad's Portrayal
Modern Day Context
Beachwear on Beaches
Ad's Portrayal
Foreigners are shown enjoying the sun and running on the beach in swimsuits.
Modern Day Context
Today, bikini-wearing actors face threats on beaches.
- City Name
- Bombay (now Mumbai)
- Time Period
- 1970s
- Ad's Focus
- Tourism, cosmopolitan lifestyle, cultural experiences, shopping
- Featured Activities
- Horse racing, sauna, swimming, gym, yoga, fishing, classical dance performances
- Souvenir Suggestion
- Indian saree