The story of Kuch Naya
This story highlights the various views and experiences of people—relating to the redevelopment of chawls in Mumbai—through
a young girl’s perspective. It revolves around a young naïve girl (Neha) and her daily adventures, quests and experiences. We see how her innocent brain understands the everchanging world around her. The story follows her before, and through, the process of redevelopment. Her childlike wonder and curiosity makes for a new pov on this topic.
This story highlights the various views and experiences of people—relating to the redevelopment of chawls in Mumbai—through
a young girl’s perspective. It revolves around a young naïve girl (Neha) and her daily adventures, quests and experiences. We see how her innocent brain understands the everchanging world around her. The story follows her before, and through, the process of redevelopment. Her childlike wonder and curiosity makes for a new pov on this topic.
Ajji and Ma
My ajji (grandma) lives in a Mumbai chawl. We used to visit her very often as it was also my mother’s beloved childhood home. I have many fond memories of that place-spending long afternoon hours just running around, to going to bed tired and early under a tiled roof. Spending hot summer vacations, out climbing trees, and stealing drying pappads. Ajji and ma talk about the place with pure adoration and gleaming eyes. It holds great value and a ton of stories.
The chawl gets constant proposals of redevelopment. It is an ever-lasting topic of discussion, fights, lands being sold, taking sides, leaving the place, etc for its community. Ajji has now moved in with us now, she doesn’t like the flat system. Her constant, daily, reminisces of the chawl are heart-warmingly wholesome—her eyes gleam along with a subtle satisfied smile.
This book is an ode to her and my Ma’s childhood.
My ajji (grandma) lives in a Mumbai chawl. We used to visit her very often as it was also my mother’s beloved childhood home. I have many fond memories of that place-spending long afternoon hours just running around, to going to bed tired and early under a tiled roof. Spending hot summer vacations, out climbing trees, and stealing drying pappads. Ajji and ma talk about the place with pure adoration and gleaming eyes. It holds great value and a ton of stories.
The chawl gets constant proposals of redevelopment. It is an ever-lasting topic of discussion, fights, lands being sold, taking sides, leaving the place, etc for its community. Ajji has now moved in with us now, she doesn’t like the flat system. Her constant, daily, reminisces of the chawl are heart-warmingly wholesome—her eyes gleam along with a subtle satisfied smile.
This book is an ode to her and my Ma’s childhood.
I took heavy inspiration from all the available photos of my ajji’s chawl. I really wanted to bring across the liveliness of the place through my illustrations.
I also went through many articles written about redevelopment of chawls. I tried to understand the variety of reactions people had towards it and how it might affect a child. I also incorporated some of these articles, in the book, using newspaper cutouts of the same. They are hidden throughout the pages for the finders.
I also went through many articles written about redevelopment of chawls. I tried to understand the variety of reactions people had towards it and how it might affect a child. I also incorporated some of these articles, in the book, using newspaper cutouts of the same. They are hidden throughout the pages for the finders.
I incorporated newspapers and magazine cutouts to emphasize the change of space for Neha. I wanted to show Neha being the constant motif throughout while the world around her gradually changes—and newspapers (supported by the redevelopment articles) presented themselves to be the most versatile, best, option. I also tried to add a change of orientation of the spreads. Through this, I wanted the readers to go through a change (and maybe difficulty) as Neha.
Storyboard
Thank You!
