Down the memory lane

People and places always make for wonderful writings. That’s how Bandra, the hip area of Mumbai, makes Clement DeSylva’s debutante humorous fiction book ‘Bandra Buggers & sons’ an interesting read which can leave you in stitches. Hyderabad’s only Parsi-Iranian cafe and bar, SodaBottleOpenerWala at Jubilee Hills had the author launch his book as part of the cafe’s first anniversary celebrations. Hailing from the city of dreams, Mumbai, DeSylva, who is the architect behind the designs of all the SodaBottleOpenerWala outlets in India talks about his book, the evolution of Bandra and more.

What inspired you to write about Bandra in particular?

Bandra is one of the closest places to my heart. I grew up in this hip and happening place. All the ideas and stories in the book revolve around the area. From the watchman to the grocer, there is a story that each place has to tell and all these instances woven together make ‘Bandra Buggers’ a book that is very special to me.

Tell us a more about the book.

‘Bandra Buggers & Sons’ started out as an online blog. Later turned into a book and is now being made into a short film. My childhood memories and hangouts at Irani cafes have all been mentioned in this. I have been writing this blog since ten years and people urged me to publish it as a book. Initially I was very sceptical about this idea but eventually managed to gather up the courage and compiled it into a book. There are 54 short stories woven together with a tinge of humour in each of them, ‘Bandra Buggers’ is one book you cannot put down until you have turned the last page.

How do you manage both your professional life as an architect and your passion for writing?

I believe if you have the determination to do something, time should never be a factor to hold you back. Honestly, I don’t have a planned schedule to sit and write my stories. Sometimes I jot down my ideas behind a paper bill or a tissue paper at a restaurant and my professional life never hampers with my love for writing.

Tell us more about your connection with Hyderabad.

Hyderabad has been really special for me, not only because of its mouth-watering biryani but also because it feels like a second home every time I come here for my friends. Designing SodaBottleOpenerWala and now seeing it turn a year old is a great feeling. Many of my friends stay here and the love and warmth always feels welcoming therefore I chose this city to launch ‘Bandra Buggers’.

How has the journey been so far for ‘Bandra Buggers’?

The love I receive from my readers keeps my writing alive. Each story is like a stroll down the memory lane for each of them as the story portrays various instances of growing up in a middle class family. They can connect to the evolution of Bandra which is reminiscent of the olden days. The book has reached Australia and the US already. The response has been immense.

What challenges did you face while designing SodaBottleOpenerWala at Hyderabad?

One major challenge that I faced while designing SodaBottleOpenerWala was to give it that different Parsi-Iranian touch because Hyderabad already had too many Irani cafes and I wanted to give this one an exclusive look.

Did your personality as an architect reflect in your book?

Yes, it definitely did creep into my writing without my knowledge.There are various architectural references and I have given detailed descriptions of buildings and places. that you would want to mention.

One unique character from the book that you would want to mention?

My grandmother. She has been mentioned in most of the stories. She has played a vital part in my days of growing up in Mumbai.

Any plans on your next book?

Not anytime soon, I haven’t really given it a thought as of now. Maybe it will happen just like this book.

Published on Indian Express