Guide to explore graffiti in Bandra, Andheri and South Bombay

Mumbais graffiti scene is emerging as a dynamic tool for expression From celebrated film stars immortalised on the walls to thoughtprovoking social issues revolving around gender equality and climate activism ndash street art in Mumbai is becoming a medium to spark discourse on a myriad of themesApart from expressionism creativity and colour have breathed new life into formerly congested lanes old docks slums overlooked corners and decaying walls While Bandrarsquos Chapel Road is a treasure trove of cinematic characters the initiatives of the Start India project at Sassoon Docks and the Chal Rang De gig in Asalpha showcase the transformative power of art in revamping neglected corners of the cityThe charm of Mumbais graffiti work extends beyond the locals attracting a steady stream of tourists wanting to explore the citys vibrant street art scene Middaycom traversed every nook and cranny of Mumbai to curate the trendiest graffiti murals one must check out across the cityMarol Art Village MAV Andheri EastThe latest enhancement to Mumbais graffiti landscape is the mural gracing the streets of Marol ndash the renowned BEST at Maroshi Road station The dilapidated walls at the station became an openair canvas for local artists who transformed them into bulbous portraits depicting the cityrsquos backbone ndash The BEST busGraffiti at BEST station at Marol Maroshi RoadUntil approximately a month ago this BEST station was essentially a dump site Reflections upon this situation prompted the artists from the art community ndash MAV to come together and initiate a restoration effort involving a cleanup drive and the addition of a whimsical muralThe communityrsquos collective vision is to put Marol on the cultural map aspiring to turn it into the next Kala Ghoda with heritage walks and street art tours Within the MAV the Bharat Van Garden holds a significant place where they conduct weekly sessions supported by the Military Road Residents Welfare Association MRRWA and Wicked Broz a graffiti and street art collectiveMAV regularly organises Back2TheRoots jam sessions at the garden every Sunday offering activities such as slacklining sketching sessions a garden cleanup and a rap cipher The murals by artists and locals reflect the culture of the families in the area and other MAV stops that patrons can explore are Adarsh Nagar Jabarpada Vijay Pipe Lane and buildings around MarolRapper Kraantinaaris collab art with Marol Art VillageBollywood street art in BandraWelcome to Bandrarsquos Chapel Road where walls are adorned with lifesized depictions of Bollywood figures While Mumbai has been the birthplace of Bollywood its noteworthy that Bollywood contributes significantly to the citys identity To mark this symbiotic relationship graphic designer and artist Ranjit Dahiya initiated the lsquoBollywood Art Projectrsquo BAPThis eclectic stretch has become a canvas for local and international artists associated with BAP to showcase their talent transforming mundane walls into captivating works of art As you walk down Chapel Road there is Madhubala in her quintessential pose near Dukersquos restaurant Further ahead there is a poster of Anarkali and two iconic images of Amitabh Bachchan and Rajesh KhannaStreets of Chapel Road revamped by Bollywood Art ProjectThe murals often depict a diverse range of subjects from Bollywood celebrities and cultural icons to social messages meant to sensitise people over womenrsquos safety raise awareness around health and promote religious harmony Each stroke of paint contributes to the visual symphony that captures the dynamic essence of Bandra and its cosmopolitan spiritShould you wander through Bandra a leisurely walk along Pereira Road will bring you into direct contact with none other than the iconic angry young man ndash Amitabh Bacchan Painted on a horizontally robust wall his mural exudes all his charisma and waiting for a cinematic duel with PeterThe murals not only add aesthetic value to the neighbourhood but also contribute to the sense of community and cultural identity Chapel Road has become a mustvisit destination for those who appreciate the fusion of urban art and the rich tapestry of Mumbais diverse culture turning a casual stroll into an enriching visual experienceMural of Amitabh BacchanSassoon Docks South BombayThe renowned Sassoon Docks in Colaba are now ready to captivate with their painted walls In December 2022 a collective of more than 30 artists participating in the StArtUrban Art Festival embarked on an ambitious project to revitalise Sassoon Docks in Cuffe Parade which has existed for over 142 yearsAs one of the citys oldest docks and largest fish markets Sassoon Docks has undergone a remarkable transformation now adorned with numerous murals and installations crafted by artists from across the globe Artists have breathed life into the dockrsquos landscape through vibrant street art transforming the freshly painted walls into a street art galleryThe mural vividly portrays the hustle and bustle of Sassoon Docks depicting scenes ranging from the sale of fish to the arrival of handcarts carrying the days catch all while showcasing the daily lives of the Koli community the fisherfolk who earn their livelihood in the vicinityThe objective was to make the docks more accessible to the public Considering that only a limited number of individuals have visited these docks and gained insight into the activities occurring withinmdashsuch as the process of bringing and selling fishmdashthe awareness among the general populace has been notably lowAlthough hosting some exhibitions within the Sassoon Dock space may have marginally increased these numbers the overall reach remains quite modest The idea revolved around bringing the essence of the docks directly to the people of Mumbai to enhance their understanding of the cityrsquos coast After viewing visual references online delving into its historical significance as a Mumbai landmark the artists promptly decided to depict it in their artworkAmong the most impactful pieces is Inside Out by artist JR featuring monochrome print portraits of local Koli residents adorning the dock buildings This installation serves as a poignant celebration of the vibrant Koli community an integral part of Mumbais rich history and cultureThe artwork sheds light on often overlooked stories particularly as much of their native spaces have succumbed to industrialisation gentrification or urban encroachment Sassoon Docks being no exception Inside Out stands as a poignant reminder of untold histories struggling to endure in contemporary India