The virtual exploration of Bhendi Bazaar offered a thumb-sized locality enclosed by IM Merchant Road, Banian Street and Mutton Street. But the real view of this quaint area —and a truly fascinating one — came through the film of rainwater gushing down from the JJ Flyover and running all over the windows of No 45 bus.

Those travelling from South Mumbai get a whiff of Bhendi Bazaar approaching, thanks to the row of ittar shops at its beginning. For those looking for more indications, there is a row of mehendiwallahs on the pavement and kebab stalls. A more pronounced sign are the vintage buildings with ornate windows and balconies, which haven’t got a coat of paint in decades.

This view, however, may not be a lasting one if the makeover plan spearheaded by Syedna Mohamed Burhanuddin, the spiritual leader of Dawoodi Bohras, stays on track. The Rs 1,500-crore project — with the ambitious plan of redeveloping 270 buildings and 2,000 commercial establishments spread over 18 acres — is set to change its landscape and re-house over 25,000 people in the new buildings.

“Most of the buildings in the area are 80-100 years old and are in a dilapidated condition. The area is very congested and in a mess,” says Sheikh Abdeali Bhanpurawala, chief coordinator of the Saifee Burhani Upliftment Project. Since one of the most prominent Rozzas of the Bohras, Rozza-tahera, and a strong presence of the community are in Bhendi Bazar, he doesn’t deny an emotional reason behind the move. “The condition in which Bohris live here is a shame. The standard of living is much better in Mazagaon, Bandra or Marol,” he adds. However, Bhanpurawala says that this is more of a philanthropic project that would also benefit people of other communities living in the 18-acre project area.

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