Dhobi Ghat revamp: B-Town stars’ recollect fond memories of a Mumbai icon

Here’s what B-town celebs have to say about the iconic Dhobi Ghat being revamped and undergoing a transformation, and their memories associated with the popular site.

Dhobi Ghat is located in south Mumbai. It is a massive and one of the most popular open laundries. Known for being one-of-a-kind laundries in the world; it has over the years, achieved an iconic status. It is also counted among the most-explored tourist attractions.

B-town celebs talk about their memories of the iconic Dhobi Ghat. (HT Photo)

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However, Dhobi Ghat is set to undergo a complete revamp. The redevelopment plan includes rehabilitating slum dwellers and renewing the open laundry, which is more than a century old and is a heritage structure.

Bollywood has its own association with the well-known Dhobi Ghat. Many popular movies such as Munna Bhai M.B.B.S. (2003), Dhobi Ghat (2011) and Shootout At Wadala (2013), among others, have also been shot at the popular site. Over the years, Bollywood has captured the real essence of the vintage establishment.

HT Café speaks with B-Town celebrities to know what memories they have of the place, and if they have shot for their movies at the iconic location.

Jackie Shroff, actor

I’ve grown up in and around that area. As children, we were always fascinated by Dhobi Ghat. We would stand on the bridge nearby and see the activities taking place. Unfortunately, I never got the chance to go down and see it [closely]. Maybe now, I will go before it is revamped.

Director Sanjay Gupta says he’s glad that the iconic dhobi ghat is being revamped. (Nikhil Sachdeva /HT Photo )

Sanjay Gupta, film-maker

Dhobi Ghat is an iconic Mumbai landmark that has been featured in many of our movies. I’m glad if they are revamping it, as it’s important for all people working there as it’s their livelihood.

Urmila Matondkar, actor

I have never been to Dhobi Ghat or shot there, but undoubtedly it’s been a salient and one of a kind place in Mumbai. It’s sad to see it [the old structure] disappear, but it’s best to go with the flow.

Rehabilitating slum dwellers, says actor Vivek Oberoi, is a humanitarian cause.

Vivek Oberoi, actor

Dhobi Ghat is one of the oldest and renowned heritage places of aamchi Mumbai. I’m glad that it’s going for a revamp, as the redevelopment plan includes rehabilitating slum dwellers, which is a humanitarian cause.