Viceroy Properties Celebrates the Cultural Soul of Mumbai’s Iconic Coastal Neighbourhood – Versova - with a Coffee Table Book

Viceroy Properties has unveiledVersova Once Upon A Shoreline a thoughtfully curated coffee table book that documents the layered history livedin culture and creative spirit of Versova one of Mumbairsquos most evocative coastal neighbourhoodsMore than a geographical chronicle the book captures Versova as a living cultural ecosystem shaped by its fishing communities heritage homes artists filmmakers cuisines and everyday rhythms that have defined the area for generationsConceptualised as an act of cultural documentation rather than a brand exercise the book brings together photographers filmmakers writers and longtime residents to preserve stories that often remain undocumented even as the city around them rapidly transformsSpeaking about the intent behind the bookCyrus Mody Founder and Chief Executive Officer Viceroy Properties said ldquoAs a real estate developer Viceroyrsquos role is not just that of building structures Our ambition is to become a part of each neighbourhood we operate in and that means understanding and respecting what came before usVersova is more than a micromarket It is a living breathing cultural ecosystem shaped by generations of artists filmmakers fishing communities and families with stories that often go undocumented Before adding a new silhouette to Versovarsquos skyline we felt it was important to understand and honour these chapters This book is dedicated to themFor us this is not about marketing a project It is about being a responsible respectful participant in the fabric of the city By documenting Versovarsquos storytellers and spaces we hope to contribute something meaningful to this unique communityrdquoThe visual language of the book is anchored by renowned photographerSunhil Sippy whose images capture Versova beyond the postcard view ldquoVersova reveals itself in moments The early mornings at the Koliwada the quiet lanes behind the beach the homes that carry decades of memories This book allowed us to slow down and observe Versova as it truly exists intimate layered and deeply humanrdquoTV presenter Chef and AuthorMaria Goretti who has long shared a personal connection with Versova reflected on the emotional resonance of the project ldquoVersova has always had a soul that quietly draws people in Being part of this book felt like revisiting memories and sharing stories that deserve to be remembered It is a love letter to a neighbourhood that has given so much to the cityrsquos creative and cultural liferdquoFilmmaker and owner of FilmalayaSamrat Mukherji added ldquoVersova has played a silent yet significant role in shaping Mumbairsquos independent cinema and artistic communities Collaborating with Viceroy Properties to document its stories is important because places like this influence creative thought in ways that are not always visible This book captures that influence beautifullyrdquoSinger and member of Indiarsquos first boy bandSherrin Varghesehighlighted the importance of preserving lived narratives ldquoWhile I am a resident of Madh few people realise the deep historical relationship it shares with Versova from shared communities and coastal traditions to even the same pin code The book brings this overlooked connection to the forefront offering a fuller understanding of Versova beyond its familiar image Documenting these layered relationships was important and it is what made this initiative by Viceroy meaningful enough for me to be a part ofrdquoThe book was unveiled at an intimate gathering atKinorsquos Cottage Versova a space deeply Embedded in the neighbourhoodrsquos cultural and cinematic history the event brought together contributors members of the local community artists and creative voices who have shaped Versova over the years Set against the backdrop of Versova Beach the evening served as a meaningful culmination of the collaborative journey behind the book celebrating shared memories conversations and the spirit of the neighbourhood that inspired itThe unveiling also marked one of the initiatives under The Good Neighbour Viceroy Propertiesrsquo ongoing commitment to engaging thoughtfully with the communities and cultural ecosystems of the neighbourhoods it operates in beyond the act of building aloneVersova Once Upon A Shorelinestands as a cultural archive and a tribute to a neighbourhood at the intersection of memory and modernity Through stories and visuals the book seeks to preserve Versovarsquos identity at a time when urban change often outpaces remembranceAbout Viceroy PropertiesViceroy Properties was founded in 2017 to redefine Luxury Real Estate Development in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region With a strong focus on Meticulous Planning Aesthetic Design and Impeccable Craftsmanship the firms first two projects have won 13 International Awards across Design Construction and Sustainability As of mid2024 Viceroy Properties has delivered over 12 mm sq ft in Thakur Village Kandivali E with another 33 mm sq ft under various stages of planningdevelopmentAbout lsquoThe Good Neighbourrsquo An Initiative by Viceroy PropertiesThe Good Neighbouris a longterm initiative by Viceroy Properties that seeks to engage meaningfully with the neighbourhoods it operates in beyond the act of development Rooted in the belief that responsible building begins with understanding place people and history the initiative focuses on celebrating local culture preserving lived narratives and fostering community participation Its first initiative was a curated heritage walk through Versova designed to highlight the arearsquos lesserknown histories cultural intersections and everyday stories that have shaped the neighbourhood over generations Through projects such as the heritage walk and the coffee table bookVersova Once Upon A ShorelineThe Good Neighbourreflects Viceroyrsquos commitment to being a thoughtful respectful presence within the urban fabric of the city

Viceroy Properties Celebrates the Cultural Soul of Mumbai’s Iconic Coastal Neighbourhood – Versova - with a Coffee Table Book

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Viceroy Properties Celebrates the Cultural Soul of Mumbai’s Iconic Coastal Neighbourhood – Versova - with a Coffee Table Book

Other Articles

Mid-Day Fast