Akbar Alibuhari

Pudupet is a place that never really sleeps. If you know Chennai, you know this area is famous for all sorts of things, mostly cars and parts. I am Akbar Alibuhari and my shop is at No.75, Thulasing Street. It is a crowded street, always full of grease and people looking for something specific. My father was around here too, so it feels natural to be in this spot. The heat in Chennai can be brutal, especially inside a small shop on a narrow street. We drink a lot of water and keep the shutters up for whatever breeze comes through. It’s a bit messy, I’ll admit that. There are stacks of things everywhere and the floor is never really clean for long. But that is just how Pudupet works. I don't have a fancy website or a marketing person. I just talk to people who come in. Some are regulars, some are just passing through. We handle what comes our way. I don't promise anything I can't do. If I can help, I will. If not, I’ll tell you where to go. It’s a simple life, really. The noise of the city is always there in the background, but it’s home. I’ve been on Thulasing Street for years and I don’t see myself moving anywhere else soon. There is always work to be done and I am happy to keep doing it here in the middle of it all.