Explore this thrift store in Versova brings vintage Indian fashion back into focus

A view of the store. Pics courtesy/Many Many Things

While World Environment Day is behind us, there is no zero hour when it comes to thrifting. Many Many Things, which began as an online design blog in 2015, has now made a comeback as a flourishing thrift store and prop shop peppered with carefully curated vintage and second hand items that tell a story. "The shop was an ode to finding inspiration in everyday life," its founders Dhara Jain, 40 and Shaira Kapoor, 32 reveal.

Set and match

A ceramic chicken, a tomato timer, a mini beach chair, and a mango at the store

For the duo, who are also production designers, it is important for the items to have a story behind them (similar to a set design) although they admit that they don't always know the history behind every piece. They encourage visitors to spark their own connection, "We aren't always aware of the story behind every object, and that's part of the joy. Sometimes, we open a drawer and find a card with a period illustration tucked inside, or a forgotten note hidden between pages. On other occasions, an object sends us down a path of research - like Mashru, a historic textile whose name translates to "permitted".

Two porcelain musicians (on left and right) and a little red interloper (in centre)

It is woven with silk on the Outside, and cotton on the inside." Jain explains. Accessing vintage items, however, can be a delicate task, "Natural patina, ageing, and wear-and-tear are part of that story. They add character and authenticity, but they also require care. Different materials age differently: Textiles need dry storage; metals may need polishing, while plastics and laminates are often difficult to restore once damaged." Kapoor divulges. Jain adds, "When sourcing, we pay close attention to an object's condition and intended use; sometimes, we seek out a pristine piece, and other times it's the wear and history that make it special."

Filmi heartland

A shelf of curiosities filled with porcelain knick-knacks

The nifty store is also incidentally located in a lane in Versova, a key cog in the Hindi film industry. The filmi connection runs deep for Shaira, who takes after her father and trustee of Prithvi Theatre, Kunal Kapoor, and his father before him, the iconic Shashi Kapoor. "For filmmakers, our prop house offers more than just objects. Sometimes an object simply fills a frame; other times, it becomes the seed of an idea." says Kapoor. The space has been nicknamed ‘Wonder Cabinet' for the curiosity with which the store was conceptualised, "The pause from blogging gave Many Many Things a second chance - to evolve organically rather than be confined to a format. In many ways, that thought gave us a second chance too - to step back, to be comfortable not always knowing where things are headed. Isn't that what a wonderland is - a place where curiosity leads the way?"

Shaira Kapoor and Dhara Jain

Disclosing their sourcing strategy - which is basically having no strategy - Jain adds, "Objects found by chance, things inherited from family and friends, things bought because we knew we might never come across them again, and things that stayed back with us after production." They also have an open shelf where friends, family, and fellow creators can store objects that no longer have space in their shelves, but will always have a space in their hearts.

AT Many Many Things, Studio 54, Aram Nagar Part 2, Versova, Andheri West.
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