A few years ago, I worked at an Irani Cafe for a week. I wasn't employed by them but I CHOSE to work there, in order to prepare for a role in a bollywood film. Eventually, the film didn't take off then, but in those seven days, I got to experience a whole new life. The cafe I worked at is called B. Merwan. It's right outside Grant Road Station (East) in Mumbai. B. Merwan is owned by two brothers, Bomi & Sourosh Irani. While most Irani cafes in the city have altered their decor and menu to cater to today's customers, B. Merwan still retains the flavour of 1914!

These pictures are stills extracted from footage that my director Atul Sabharwal shot on the last day that I worked there. The interiors didn't have enough light, hence the quality of the pictures...

The day starts early. We arrive at Grant Road Station and head straight into the cafe.

Early morning preparations. Assorted pudding laid out in trays and put into the large bakery oven.

Thats me making omlettes.

...doing the dishes.

Some regular faces at B. Merwan. 

Outside the cafe, during day.

Slicing bread and serving tea.

Preparing Salli (Fried egg on Potato 'lachchha') and Icecream Falooda.

Some of the staff at B. Merwan.

Outside the cafe, after sunset.

Wiping and cleaning, after a hectic day.

It's been a tiring day for the owner, time to shut down, and open early.

Chairs neatly piled on top of the tables so the floor can be scrubbed.

The daily 'Lobaan' routine.

History of and more on Irani Cafes in my next blog...