Star World Beauty Parlour

Out here in Belgharia, on B C Chatterjee Street, things move at their own pace. Star World Beauty Parlour is a small spot at number 31 where local women come to get their hair done or maybe some threading. Kolkata has its own rhythm, and our street is no different. You see people walking to the station or carrying bags from the market all day long. Inside the parlour, it’s a bit more peaceful, though we usually have the radio playing some music in the background. We have a few posters on the walls and some shelves with various bottles and jars we use. It’s not a high-end salon, just a place where neighbors feel comfortable sitting down and chatting for a bit. We spend a lot of time on our feet, especially in the evenings when the office goers come back. The air gets thick in the summer, so the ceiling fan is always on full speed. We know which auntie likes her eyebrows a certain way and who is getting ready for a wedding in the family. It’s a lot of work, but we’ve been here long enough that it feels natural. We just do our best with what we have and keep the place running for the ladies of Belgharia. It’s a simple life on a busy street, and we are just part of the daily view for everyone.