Harkat Studios

If you ever find yourself in the busy lanes of Versova in Andheri West, look for a quiet diversion down the tree-lined avenues of Aram Nagar, where you might happen upon Harkat Studios. Housed in a charming bungalow in a neighbourhood that’s known for a rich history tied to Partition refugees, Harkat shoulders many roles. You could call it a hub for experimental film and fringe theatre – or a counter-narrative to the sprawling, commercial film industry that is Bollywood. Either way, it’s entirely dedicated to sustaining artistic practices that challenge the mainstream. 

Everything about Harkat is serious, intimate. The performance room itself seats only about 40, and is designed to dissolve the distance between the artist and audience. This small stage has since become a furtive, fiercely loved home for boundary-pushing work in theatre and music, supporting narratives that are often political, melancholic, and thought-provoking. But Harkat doesn’t forget about the past. It houses the only film lab of its kind in the subcontinent that actively curates and teaches the use of 8mm and 16mm celluloid. 

The atmosphere inside’s palpable. The air’s often coffee-scented and filled with the low murmur of collaboration (the space doubles as an informal co-working hub for artists). The interiors, furnished with salvaged antiques, murals, and a well-stocked library, possess a unique charm that invites you in. 

Time Out tip: Book your tickets in advance and try to reach early. Finding the studio poses quite a challenge for first-timers.