Mahalakshmi Hardware & Plywood

Running a hardware and plywood shop on Shimpoli Road in Bandra West means you’re always a bit covered in dust. We’re at number 54, and our days are filled with the sound of wood being moved and the clinking of metal tools. Plywood sheets are heavy and awkward to carry, so there’s a lot of sweating and lifting involved. We have rows of screws, nails, and hinges that we have to keep track of. It’s not the kind of place that stays clean for long. We try to keep things organized, but when a big shipment comes in, the whole floor gets blocked for a few hours. Bandra is a busy area, but Shimpoli Road has its own local feel. We see contractors and carpenters mostly, but also some residents who just need a hammer or a tin of paint. We don’t have a big sales pitch. We just show people where things are and tell them the price. The shop is full of the smell of cut wood and oil. We spend a lot of time on our feet, walking back and forth between the racks. When it’s quiet, we check the stock and make lists of what we’re running low on. It’s a very physical job, and by the time we close the shutters at night, we’re usually pretty tired. We’ve been part of this street for years and have seen plenty of buildings go up around us.