Gopal Fun School

Gopal Fun school...As the name suggests..it is a weekend hobby school to add value to your lives..and to your kids. There are courses for parents n children.  Check out the #ISKCON TEMPLE Girgaum Chaupatty. Read more in the brochure.

Civil Defence

Do you know anyone can join civil Defence and serve the country? I know it now. Sharing the details...

YMCA activity hub...

Check out this place for so many things to learn from...

Granted for Films

This part of Bombay is a curios mix of good and bad. The road connecting Grant Road and Bhendi Bazaar has many alleys that lead to various types of businesses. This is also the road that has many old, dilapidated cinema halls. Grant Road had a number of theatres until 2004 namely the Novelty Cinema {which is now into construction of Novelty Apartments}, Super Cinema, Apsara, Jamuna, Minerva, Royal Talkies, New Roshan Talkies, Nishat Cinema, Imperial Cinema, Alfred Theater and Shalimar which were once an upon a time filled with viewers for their great blockbuster Bollywood Films. In fact, this must have been a place frequented by the whose who of the film industry because many shayars, poets and film writers lived in the by-lanes of Bhendi Bazaar. The famous Cinema theaters here premiered the hit films of yesteryear. There is a history on these roads and much is fading. And who cares?

My quest for learning Urdu takes me to these lanes as my Ustad is there. I can't help noticing that I am walking the same roads where many legendary poets have walked. I wonder when I think about the glitz and glamour of those days. When I walk past these Cinema halls, I get curious to get inside and unearth more but some film posters on the outside shout that I must not. Most theatres cater for B and C grade film lovers.  Even the Bhojpuri films are screened here. Obviously the tickets are much cheaper and the theatres are not upgraded for same reasons. 

Take a fotowalk with me.... through these pictures.

This is Royal Cinema still catering to the need of a particular sect of cinema watchers.

This is a reminder of the days gone by. Apsara theatre plays old hits of not so old days.

The famous Novelty Cinema has lost everything...glitter and glitz and the love of its patrons. This is where many famous films have been premiered.

Novelty...lady is lonely and de-glamourized.

Shalimar cinema is playing Bhojpuri films and catering to the needs of migrants from North Indian worker class.

This is the renovated Super Plaza Cinema which also plays a mix of good and not so good films.

Nishat is one of the many theatres on the famous Grant Road. One can find old or unheard C grade movies running in these theatres. 

If you want to take a walk here, drop a line. If you are curious and seek more information send an email to writingdollink@gmail.com Check out my pages on facebook. #fotowalkwithwritingdollmridual #writingdoll

Chaotic Colaba Causeway

Almost everyone coming to Bombay visits Colaba. Colaba Causeway is a major attraction for shopping, for Leopold Cafe, Taj Mahal Hotel and Cafe Mondegar. Colaba is also the place where VIPs also pass through because either they stay at the Taj or they land at the Naval helipad to avoid city commute n congestion. Even the Prime Minister's fleet of cars cross this famous road. Ambani and Ratan Tata cross this road every day. As do the top brass of Navy. It is also a hub for art lovers and souvenir seeking firangs. 

The fact remains that it is 'the' place and yet it is the worst kept place. I have watched this place for years and I can say it has deteriorated over time. Crass commercialism and devil may care attitude has turned this wonderful place into an eyesore. The road side hawkers and stalls occupy major space. Their stalls are in the saddest state. Covered in tattered old bed sheets or cheap polyethylene sheets, these stalls look worse than shanties. There is no specified size for these stalls. Some are made of broken wooden pieces put together. Ironically these are placed right in front of the hi end branded stores blocking whatever neat window displays may be. Is it ignored on purpose? 

Here is the story in pictures. 

Look at this curio shop and garment shop on the pavement.

This is how the shops are visible on the road... the famous Colaba Causeway.

You have also shopped here, didn't you?

These are registered stalls on the Causeway...

No one notices?? Even the VIPs? The Tata and Ambanis? The people who can have a say but do not say? Why?

These stalls appear the shoddiest during rains. Look at these... sad souvenirs.

Oh boy, this is Cafe Mondegar? If only it was unobstructed by these stalls.

And this....
what date and time are we living? Freedom means this to us...

Blockages every where.

Next time you go there, check this out.  The chaos in Colaba Causeway.  I love this place but I would love it more if you join me in voicing this concern. Lets see how we can work out a model for "Swachh Sunder Colaba Causeway".

Your suggestions are awaited. Please write back to me
writingdollink@gmail.com

Why I write about BOMBAY?

Bombay..1991, my first time.. very filmy, very dramatic.

Intimidating, scaring, inviting, exciting, nurturing, caring, loving, respecting, daring, motivating.... I have lived every emotion in this city. Alone, with strangers, with acquaintances, with work associates, with friends, with family.

Bombay for conferences, Bombay for sourcing, Bombay for fun, Bombay for party, Bombay for Marriage, Bombay for work, Bombay for career, Bombay for hopping, Bombay for posting...and then Bombay for a home.

I have been infatuated with, in love with and in a long time relationship with Bombay. My heart was in Hyderabad and soul in Bombay. I don't know how and when this city adopted me as her own. I am so comfortable in this city despite being born and bred miles away up north.

My work has taken me into various places within this city and the writer in me has absorbed so much from every nook and corner. I like to travel by public transports, walk in the bylanes, photograph buidings and talk to people. If my work can contribute to the society in a positive way by changing the things or by appreciating the things we should, I must write about these.

Bombay...Mumbai....whats in a name? A lot... and yet nothing. There is plenty in the people who make this place what it is. My blog is about people, places and popular issues about this city.

I solicit positive interaction from my readers, solicit suggestions so that we can return the favour to this city that shapes many dreams.