The bookstore is run by Manilal and Kunal Gada, a father-son duo. Set up over 56 years ago in order to earn a living in Mumbai, the store is now popular in the vicinity. 

Stacks of books are placed at the store which makes one wonder about the number of books available here. Gada laughs and says, “It’s hard to keep an exact count but I’m sure of the fact that we have a collection of over a lakh books.” 

At the Pethani Book Centre, books are sold at as low as Rs 20 and go up to Rs 500 or more depending on the book. Gada's son Kunal says, “We try to offer books at the lowest price possible to pull more and more customers.” 

Since its inception, the Pethani Book Centre has been housing all kinds of books – academic books, classic novels, second-hand magazines, non-fiction books, children’s books as well as newly launched novels.   

While most bookstores and stalls in several parts of Mumbai are struggling to earn a profit, Pethani Book Centre is one of the few that seems to be flourishing. In a day, the bookstore receives around 150-200 customers who definitely purchase at least one book.

With options that don’t seem to end, at Pethani Book Centre, you are sure to get spoiled for choice. 

Address: Address: 6, Sangam Arcade, V.P. Road, Opposite Railway Station, Vile Parle (W), Mumbai - 400056 

For more details, contact: 9819612377, 9833241943

Photo Courtesy: Aakanksha Ahire