02 May,2026 07:57 AM IST | Mumbai | Junisha Dama
The heritage bungalows and town square of Ranwar Village. Pics/Junisha Dama
A whiteboard at the entrance of Ranwar Village in Bandra West has become the latest flashpoint in the city's ongoing battle between residents and the influencer economy.
The handwritten sign declares that photography and modelling are banned and claims the rule is "by law, Mumbai Police". However, the board appears unofficial, with no formal markings.
Residents say the sign reflects growing frustration with crowds using their homes and streets as backdrops for social media content.
Not the first resistance Residents say this is not new. Clint Fernandes, a resident and make-up artist, recalled disruptions during film shoots featuring Jackie Shroff, Anil Kapoor, and Govinda. While no formal ban existed, locals had pushed back against filming even then.
Dr Baptista believes the issue reflects a deeper trend. "For the last decade, we have been romanticising and fetishising heritage. There are beautiful colours. There's some rusticness to it. So let's do a reel and a dance reel. The background is incidental. Let's be honest."
Dr Anita Rane Kothare, president of the Bombay Local History Society, linked the issue to over-tourism. "Tourists are creating a nuisance, vandalism, and excessive content. It is ruining the spirit of the street."
Bhatt added that genuine visitors over the globe are fed up. "Heritage tours can help, but they must be limited to small groups. It's unfortunate, people who visit out of genuine interest in the history tend to lose out."
The legality of such bans remains unclear. Dr Baptista said similar areas like Khotachiwadi use more structured systems, such as police logbooks. However, Ranwar's sign acts mainly as a deterrent.
"These boards are not enforceable beyond a point. Police have better things to do. At best, they may respond and take a walk if someone calls."
Residents say reels have changed the scale - and the tone - of intrusion
Clint Fernandes said casual photography earlier did not cause conflict.
"The reels have escalated this. Earlier, people would just take a photo.
"Now there is dancing, noise, and crowding. I guess that is what made them a little bit mental."
Referring to the recent viral clash, he said, "It's about basic courtesy. The roads are narrow, and people are shooting right outside homes. We can't even keep our windows open."
Bhatt added, "You have to take permission and shoot quietly. That sense of entitlement needs to go. Everyone has a camera now."
. A 400-year-old East Indian Christian hamlet in Bandra West
. One of Bandra's original 24 pakhadis (hamlets)
. Known for restored heritage bungalows and colourful streets
. Now home to popular cafés and restaurants
. The tension has been building for months. A Bandra influencer previously drew backlash after asking people to stop visiting the suburb
. Last week, a video showed an influencer arguing with a Ranwar resident while filming near a crucifix on Veronica Street
. Residents say influencers often film without consent, causing disruption
This has turned a local irritation into a wider debate on public access versus private life.
Sunil Pandey Advocate
"As per Supreme Court rulings under Article 21, there is no absolute ban on photography or videography in public places in India. If these boards have been put up by local residents, it may violate the fundamental right to freedom of speech and expression under Article 19(1)(a), which includes the right to express through the media. However, this right is subject to reasonable restrictions under Article 19(2)."
Experts say a blanket ban is not practical.
Suggested measures:
. Fixed timings for heritage walks
. Smaller, controlled groups
. Prior permission from residents
. Greater accountability for tour operators
Dr Kothare said, "We cannot stop people from coming, but we can regulate how they engage."
Fernandes added that tour operators must coordinate with locals. "Speak to residents, explain your intent, and ensure it is non-disruptive."
Dr Baptista noted that Mumbai lacks enforceable heritage policy frameworks.
. UDRI guidelines (1998) exist but are not legally binding
. Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee is advisory only
. No executive enforcement powers
"Twenty-five years on, these remain guidelines, not policy," he said.
Fontainhas, Goa
. Photography is restricted in residential streets
. Allowed in commercial zones
Kyoto, Japan (Gion district)
. Photography is banned in private alleys
. Fine of 10,000 yen
. Main public streets remain open
After mid-day contacted the Bandra police about the signboard officers reached the spot to investigate. The board was found to be illegal and unauthorised, and the Mumbai Police's name had been used without permission by a local resident.
Senior Inspector Ravindra Salunkhe of Bandra police station said, "We removed the board and brought the person who installed it to the police station for inquiry. We are verifying why it was put up. Using the Mumbai Police name without permission is illegal. We will take action accordingly."
Dr Baptista pointed out that Bandra has undergone significant gentrification.
"The eateries are no longer designed for locals. They cater to newer crowds who have come in over the past decade."
Fernandes added, "The cafes need to kind of be a little bit sensitive about these residential areas because in Bandra now, I don't think we have the demarcation of a residential area, non-residential area, everything is one."
Input by Dinesh Vaktania
Residents say their homes are being treated like public sets, with little regard for privacy
Pooja Bhatt Actor and long-time Bandra resident
"Most people just create chaos. People come for the perfect shot, and it has rubbed people the wrong way. This is our home." She added that Bandra's welcoming spirit is being strained. "Valets have hijacked parking, roads are dug up, and influencers are dancing outside homes."
Dr Andre Baptista Archaeologist and resident of Khotachiwadi
"Our houses open up to neighbourhoods. The neighbourhood, the street, is very much part of our extended home. Having influencers dance on the streets with views directly into somebody's bedroom or living room - therein comes the invasion part of it. We are everyday citizens. We wake up in the morning. We just want to stand outside, maybe fetch our newspaper. We're having a cup of tea. We don't want to have to look down and see 20 people pointing the cameras at you. It reduces the space to a heritage zoo."
