Shil Saloon

If you’re driving down Jessore Road near Madhyamgram, you’ve probably passed by Shil Saloon without thinking much of it. We are situated right at the Doltala Police More, in the Purabasha area. It’s a noisy spot because of all the trucks and buses heading through Kolkata, but we like it here. The shop has been a part of this corner for years. When the rain comes down hard on Jessore Road, the shop gets a bit damp, but we just put out a bucket if the roof drips and keep working. The chairs are the heavy kind, the ones that don’t move much. We use simple razors and scissors, nothing electric unless someone really asks for it. The wall is covered with a few old calendars and a picture of the gods with a faded garland. Most of the people who come in are regulars from around Purabasha or guys who work near the Police More. They know my name, and I know how they like their hair cut. We don’t have a website or any of that. If the light goes out, which happens sometimes in this part of Kolkata - 700129, we just open the door wider to let the street light in. It’s a small business, just a way to make a living and talk to the neighbors. There’s no big sign or bright lights, just the name painted on the door and some chairs inside for whoever comes by.