Pintu Pan Bhandar

You can find Pintu Pan Bhandar in Andheri East, right inside the Gala Mandi. It’s a small stall, but we’ve been here for years. My name is Pintu and I run the place with my brother. We sell pan, cigarettes, and a few snacks. The market is always loud and crowded, but that’s how we like it. We know almost all the other shopkeepers around here. We start preparing the leaves early in the day. There is a specific way to fold them so everything stays inside. We don't use a machine; it's all done by hand. People stop by for a quick talk and a pan after they finish their shopping or work. We don't have a website or any fancy marketing. We just sit here and serve whoever comes to the window. The wooden counter is worn down from years of use. We have a small radio that plays old songs while we work. It’s not a glamorous job, but it’s steady. We see a lot of different people every day. Some are in a hurry and some like to linger and tell us about their day. We just listen and keep folding. If you are ever wandering through Gala Mandi, you’ll see us. Life in the market is never quiet. My stall is small but it has everything I need. I keep my ingredients in small brass containers. They are old and have some dents, but they do the job. Preparing pan is like a ritual for us.