The laundromat
by Tali Nevo
Mumbai’s Laundromat employs roughly 7,000 workers and is called “Mahalaxmi Dhobi Ghat” which means the place where men wash and dry clothing. It has been operating for over 140 years and not much has changed since its very founding.
Mumbai’s Laundromat serves the mass public who cannot afford to purchase laundry machines or simply do not have the space at home to do laundry.
They also launder for hotels, restaurants, and hospitals – each industry according to its specific needs and standards. Each load is done separately, such as colours, jeans, whites, delicates, and so on.
Despite the vast quantity of laundry they receive and handle, they are highly careful and take full responsibility for damaged or lost goods.
The old steam irons they use are heavy and each weighs at least 5 kg, I tried to lift one myself and immediately put it back down since the weight was too much for me to hold in a single hand. I don’t understand how malnourished teenagers and even children are able to work with these from dawn until evening.
Entire families live within the laundry complex and there are in fact full communities that live there. They cook, shower, and even learn there. With my own eyes, I witnessed children playing in between the rows of hanging laundry. They were entertained and looked genuinely happy. One can hear the laughter echoing throughout the alleys.
Mothers with small children juggled washing laundry in large tubs while also watching their children at the same time.
I wandered in between giant outdoor sinks and the endless rows of hanging laundry on ropes.
I entered the expansive ironing room and visited one of their “apartments” which is a single room meant for an entire family. I realized that this is the best possible reality for them, they work hard and are genuinely proud of what they do.
For a moment, I sat on the side and thought to myself how simple life truly is.
Perhaps it is in fact us who have gotten accustomed to the endless rat race of life, complications, and stress.
The day that I decided that I was out of excuses was the day that I decided to realize an old dream of mine.
I would put aside all of the chores, which never end, and make time to study photography.
And so, after over two decades in various managerial positions in the hotel industry – including event management, marketing in large chains and hotel management – I decided to move forward with my favorite part of the hospitality industry: the people, encounters and trips, leaving behind the demanding managerial lifestyle.
I knew it was love as soon as I took up the camera. The ability to see everything from a different perspective of deep observation, quickly capturing a moment, a look, a movement. Wherever I look today, I see things differently, through the lens. I see the second for the right shot to introduce a slightly different viewpoint.
I am realizing my love for hospitality through my business – Bayit BaTeva in the Upper Galilee where I live and my love for people, encounters and trips, through my lens.
Since then, my passion has been to perpetuate the people, encounters, places and special moments, the diverse landscapes and fine details.
Today I am fully captivated by photography, seeking to convey my point of view.
You are welcome to visit…
