Kya solid maal hain, boss

The eccentricities of life in Mumbai, including coasters with definitions of 'mawali' terms find their way on to a range of knick-knacks, styled by two desi girls

The eccentricities of life in Mumbai, including coasters with definitions of 'mawali' terms find their way on to a range of knick-knacks, styled by two desi girls

Mammi ki roti gol gol, Didi ka kangan gol gol, Bhaiya ki topi gol gol, Papa ka chashma gol gol.

"The minute we heard it, we knew we had to do something around it," says Archana Sudhendranath about the poem she and partner Sonal Shah of Moira heard a group of construction workers' kids singing, one day.

The verse wound up on four round coasters with a corresponding image of the 'gol' item moulded in clay.
Luck or "destiny" ('Moira' from Moirae: Greek goddess of fate and destiny) had a major role to play in the girls' lives. "We were introduced by a common friend, and were soon talking about the designs that we had in our heads, but which hadn't been translated into reality," says Archana, who has a degree in law, but gave up practicing two years ago to pursue something "artsy".

The girls pooled their talent to form Moira, which they launched at the recently concluded Kala Ghoda Art Festival.

Works for us
The image of an annoyed maid with a bindi and hair tied in a bun on a wooden 'Daawat' tray, asks, "Kya namaste namaste laga rakha hai? Daawat pe aaye ho kya?" The Urdu word 'Daawat' roughly translates to "invitation for a feast".

Another bright red tray called Ghar ka Choolah depicts 'roti', 'chawaal', 'sabzi' variations and 'aur kuch', as well as a list of 'Don'ts' that one might typically find on a signboard at the entrance to an Irani restaurant. Of the 'Extra khaana mooft mein nahi milega' stipulation, Archana says, "That one's a 'Sorry' and 'Thank You' to all the mummies who we take for granted, all the time, when it comes to cooking the food we want."

The rustic jute picture frames with holders were among the knick-knacks that caught our eye. "We were inspired to design these after several discussions with our domestic help, as we realised they are always looking for a means to make more money. The frames are easy-to-make and also generate additional income for them," says Archana, adding, "We have Plate, Bottle and Piggy Bank frames that our domestic help makes with help from her neighbours."

Another scene from everyday city life finds its way onto the set of pop art coasters titled Mum-bhai Chak Chik Lingo. The coasters carry definitions of 'mawali' talk or street lingo, including the meanings of the terms 'rapchik', 'chakachak', 'dhinchak' and 'chikchik'. Fun!Coming up soon: bookends, coffee mugs, shot glasses, magnets and crockery.

Prices Start at Rs 150
Call 9167903904
Email moiracreatives@gmail.com