A Wanderer’s Guide to the Unusual Chor Bazaar of Mumbai
The mention of Chor Bazaar of Mumbai had been made so many times around me that I had lost the count. A casual word about it by an art parasite or a vagabond going crazy about it — at the end of all those talks, I experienced FOMO! So, the minute I set out to do my post-graduation in film-making from St. Xavier’s College, Mumbai, I had to give this art oasis of Mumbai a visit anyhow.
With that primer of Utopian thoughts, soon the back-breaking academic schedule caught up and visiting it just went out of my mind. However, I bless the day when everything in my life just went wrong and I told myself to put all the worries aside and just go out there to find some beauty.
Chor Bazaar of Mumbai
A stone’s throw from my paying guest accommodation at Marine Lines East, Chor Bazaar in Mumbai was everything that I had heard of and then some more. Ever been to a place that takes away your breath? For me, Chor Bazaar did that trick. Conventionally, it is located in a rather dilapidated and old-world area of SoBo (South Bombay). But, an art parasite won’t complain.
Swamped with the sublime tune of azaan and a ghetto of passionate Muslim merchants, the vibe of Chor Bazaar at Mumbai is nothing but endearing. There are umpteen makeshift sweet meat and kebab shops that overwhelm your senses as soon as this art street takes you in its fold.
Art All-Around
From second-hand furniture, paraphernalia, vintage furniture, kitsch, props, spare parts till some of the limited edition decor from the royal households of India, the shops at Chor Bazaar has a world of its own to offer you. Speaking from the vantage point of a fledgeling filmmaker and a writer, for me, this place opened up a different perspective for art direction and imagination. The textures, the sleepy streets of Chor Bazaar Mumbai (an exception on every Friday) rejuvenate your senses.
There is a splash of colour and texture everywhere in those winding streets. Hawkers roam around with cutting chai. But, even that frame looks beautiful. Although swamped with idyllic nonchalance, the fresh yet old-world charm of these shops draw you towards them.
You might get those amusing looks from the shopkeepers if you click pictures. However, they would lovingly let you roam around and explore. That lack of insecurity simply wins you over. The business here is often in dire straits. However, art connoisseurs do shop the house down when they find some antiques, limited edition vinyl records and paintings.
Making the Most of a Visit There!
The streets of Udaipur are definitely artful and charm artists. But, that plan to visit the Venice of East happens once in a while, right? To quench all your aesthetic hunger and sensibilities, this art market shall suffice.
I didn’t really buy anything from there. However, the minute I have my own home, I would like to buy almost everything from Chor Bazaar. The giant, vintage wall clocks, mouth freshener boxes, pop culture frames, doorknobs, murals — my list is just endless.
If you have the monies, the luxury to buy what’s on your mind, then if not hoard, I would suggest taking something from Chor Bazaar. Not to show off, but just to bring some lost beauty back home!
Around Mumbai or visiting it? Mark Chor Bazaar on a must-visit list and you would bless me later.
Do share your comments if you have been there or are in love with it just like me! :)
