Look up: Mumbai’s cab ceilings make for the coolest art gallery

HT journalist Rachel Lopez takes a taxi to work every day and has been documenting images of the interiors of Mumbai kaali peelis all through May on social media. See some of the best ones here

Some time in April, I got into a taxi and happened to look up. The interiors of Mumbai’s kaali peeli or black-and-yellow cabs are often covered in protective plastic, and often that sheet carries some kind of kitschy decoration. This one’s ceiling had a chocolate brown background, on which were scattered ghastly blue and purple strawberries - I loved it!

Take a taxi, shoot picture of its ceiling and soon you’ll have a galley of Made-In-Mumbai art, says HT’s writer Rachel Lopez who showcased her shots on social media all through May 2017. (Rachel Lopez)

I took a picture with my front-facing camera, saw a bit of me peeking out of the frame - and something clicked. I realised that while the graphic pop-art on India’s trucks and taxis has inspired countless books, posters and overpriced coasters, Mumbai’s colourful taxi decor was largely unnoticed. And as someone who took kaalipeelis every day, I was best placed to take this incredible, unusual art to the world.

(Left) No matter which route you take, you’ll go via Amsterdam. The driver says his tulip bouquet gets tons of compliments. (Right) Some ceilings look like tablecovers, probably because the plastic cover makers have borrowed motifs. How do you like my floral horns?

(Left) A full on fruit plate over your head. Fruit motifs are common because they’re associated with breaking a fast and many drivers are Muslim. (Right) Brilliant purple roses peek out of what looks like a basket weave. Imagine this print all over the ceiling and doors.

(Left) Textured zig zags. Geometric graphics are a common design. You’ll find endless varieties of squiggles, checks and stripes. (Right) The hideous strawberries that started it all. No one knows why the designers pick such unnatural hues.

(Left) Dots and repetitive patterns are popular too. This brilliant blue is also available in green. (Right) A favourite. I call this one picnic in the sky. Look closely, it even as condensation droplets.

(Left) Some ceilings look like tablecovers, probably because the plastic cover makers have borrowed motifs. How do you like my floral horns? (Right) Black and white is pretty uncommon, and this floral design - I’ve also seen it in blue and pink - looks especially stunning in this combination.