Why did you choose to write about Bandra?
Bandra, today, is an integral part of Mumbai. Like Mumbai, Bandra once had its own Municipality and hence, a unique identity. The Bandra Municipality (along with other suburbs) was merged with the Bombay Municipal Corporation in 1957. In spite of this, Bandra still retains a setting that is truly exhilarating—in terms of architecture and other spatial characteristics. No other part of the city, perhaps even the country, possesses such a wide range of design and style. But sadly, all this has been overlooked in the past. Before more time elapses and further deterioration sets in, I thought one had to do something for this part of the city and its people.
Tell us something about your book Bandra by Hand?
The book, Bandra by Hand, is a tribute and testament to the intrinsic value of Bandra in today's context. It seeks to graphically portray the essential characteristics that make Bandra what it is—beyond the fact that it is a shopper's paradise or a gourmet's haven.
What made you choose a style like line drawing for the book over something like photography?
Sketching as well as drawing with hand, much like handwriting, have become almost extinct in the present digital scenario. Photography has been an integral part of the exercise as the details of some of the structures were difficult to comprehend when I sat down to sketch at each place. As time was running short, I incorporated some of the details by looking at the photographs taken.
Can you share an insight about Bandra, which you discovered during your research for the book?
Most people do not realise that once upon a time, Bandra was a large territory that extended up to Santacruz in the north-west and Kalina in the north-east.
Any parting thoughts…?
This is my first book and I was definitely out of my comfort zone, as I am an architect involved in the creation of buildings all across the country. But yes, I do believe that we must give back to society in whatever miniscule way that we can.
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