Mumbai 2009, much like Kingston 2008 (updated)

Reading this story on how Mumbai waited, then responded to Slumdog Millionaire's Oscar successes, reminded me of how Jamaicans reacted when Usain Bolt took the gold medal in the 100m last year at the Beijing Olympics. Lots of people gathered around televisions sets, hoping their fellow countrymen will win international recognition at the very highest levels. And when they do come through, anxious hope is immediately followed by a community outpouring of joy.

Slumdog' celebrations fill Mumbai's crowded slums
MUMBAI, India – Children broke into Bollywood dance numbers and crowds cheered in the narrow lanes of a teeming Mumbai slum on Monday as their hometown heroes nabbed Hollywood's highest honors.

photo credit: Associated Press

afternoon addition
NPR: Mumbai Celebrates 'Slumdog' Oscar Victory

"My eyes couldn't believe that I was seeing Rubina in America," said Saba Qureshi, Rubina's best friend. Saba and her sisters woke before dawn to catch every minute of the Oscars, squealing with joy every time Rubina came on screen. They had one of the handful of TV sets in the neighborhood.

Slumdog won eight Oscars, including Best Picture, Best Director and two for Best Music — each time inspiring raucous renditions of the dance routines for which India's movie industry is known.

"It seems like happiness is falling from the sky," said Sohail Qureshi, Saba's father and Rubina's neighbor.