Hirabai stays near Khar-Danda area in Bombay. Originally from
the Agri community of Alibag, in Raigad district, her family has
been living in this locality for a few generations. It is almost like
a mini village, with a few* low roofed houses, which are now
being threatened by the tall buildings surrounding them. Apart
from managing her own house and children, Hirabai washes
clothes and utensils in other households to earn a living.
Hirabai managed to steal a couple of hours in the afternoons
from her busy schedule to stitch my Godhadis with the help of
her sister. This was the time for the women from her
neighbourhood to watch television, chat or take their siesta. As
Hirabai and her sister worked away in their kholi, women
walked in and out giving advice and sometimes lent a helping
hand. The work of course came to a complete halt when there was a popular serial on television or on occasions of pujas and
fasts which were many. So for both of us, it was a slow and trying process, requiring a lot of patience.
I was. somewhat apprehensive when I took my Godhadis and
spread them in Hirabai's kholi. I thought she and her family
members would be embarrassed to see the nude female
figures. Soon I realised how wrong I was in my assumption.
These people accepted my work without any inhibitions and I
began to relax. Hirabai has been very important for my work,
not only because she has stitched my Godhadis, but also
because I have been able to interact with her and her
surroundings. She has indeed enriched my experience.