Telstar Hosiery Factory

Telstar Hosiery Factory is down at 132 Kewal Industrial Estate on Senapati Bapat Marg in Lower Parel. This used to be the heart of all the mills in Mumbai, and you can still feel that old energy here. The building is one of those big industrial structures with high ceilings and heavy doors. We make hosiery here, so the sound of the machines is like a constant humming in the background. It’s a very busy road outside, and the traffic at Lower Parel is some of the worst you’ll find. We have a lot of workers coming in shifts. The floor is usually covered in lint and bits of thread. It’s a bit hot inside during the summer because the ventilation isn't the best, but we have big fans going. We don't have a reception desk or a lobby. You just walk in and see people working. We've been at this for many years, so we have a set way of doing things. We check the socks and innerwear, pack them into dozens, and get them ready for the trucks. Sometimes the machines break down and we have to spend the whole afternoon fixing them. It’s just part of the job. We aren't trying to be anything fancy, just a factory that gets the work done. The walls are a bit stained and the floor is cracked, but it’s a place where real work happens every day. We usually have tea together at four.