Faaltugiri is not just the title of Janhavi Samant’s book; it is also the first word she learnt from her building’s istriwala, Baban Kaka. Others were bhankas, ishtyle, and more.

Former journalist and author Samant has lived in Dadar East for 47 years, and now gives her book, Faaltugiri and other flashbacks, a new life by hosting a neighbourhood walk. Along with Go Hallu Hallu, a tour company, Samant traces the area’s cinematic and personal history, many of which you will find in the book as well. Why did she choose to do this?  “I think oral histories everywhere have been very powerful in keeping the memories of people alive. But if we don’t document them, they get lost,” she says. Samant grew up steps away from Ranjit Studio, Rooptara Studio, Shree Cine Sound, among other spaces, part of the film ecosystem. In Faaltugiri, published in 2019, Samant has documented her childhood, stories of her father, and showcased how different parenting was in the ’80s.