As the title suggests, Life Got Better with Coconuts for Kausar Shaikh. He came to Mumbai 15 years ago, leaving his family farm in Jharkhand, because he was not keen on agriculture and was seeking a different path. Seeing other migrants from his region successfully start small businesses gave him the confidence to leave years of unstable work in Mumbai behind and become a thriving coconut vendor in Dharavi.

On a rainy afternoon, we visited Irfan’s workshop, somehow quieter than the surroundings. We assisted and watched him while he worked, and he narrated his story to us.

Originally from Ratnagiri, Ravi built his career over three decades in Dharavi’s vibrant informal economy. Despite relocating to Diva, he remains deeply rooted in the locality, valuing its close-knit support system. The piece highlights his concerns over redevelopment, the resilience of Dharavi during the pandemic, and the socio-economic networks that sustain livelihoods like his. Ravi’s journey reflects the intersection of creativity, survival, and community in urban informal settlements. 

Samsuddin, a printmaker in Dharavi, Mumbai, whose small but efficient studio reflects the spirit of local enterprise. From printing school uniforms for suburban Mumbai to receiving an order from his hometown in Uttar Pradesh, Samsuddin's journey weaves personal strength with community-rooted entrepreneurship. He exemplifies how creativity and determination shape life in Dharavi. Amidst talks of redevelopment, Samsuddin advocates for progress without displacement, preserving the soul of the community he calls home.

Satish Dalvi, a second-generation Dharavi resident whose journey from sanitation work to caregiving exposes the layered realities of caste, labor, and survival in Mumbai. As an outspoken activist and rationalist, his quiet rebellion against exploitation and superstition carves space for dignity and resistance in the city.

Shankar Jadhav, a 61-year-old cobbler, defies caste boundaries beneath Samvidhan Square. With calloused hands, a love for books, and quiet resilience, he mends shoes, nurtures a square, and challenges the invisibility imposed by society: one stitch, one flower, one act of dignity at a time.

 The 13th Compound, known for being a hub of informal recycling of plastic and metal, branches into endless veins of tempos overflowing with waste collected from the city, and godowns churning with heavy crushers. Irfan Bhai, a man with 30 years of experience and Ashraf, his son, tell us the intricacies of this age-old business and their future plans.

From his humble beginnings and early struggles to becoming a respected contractor and political voice, Arunlal’s journey reflects the strength, grit, and deep-rooted commitment to his neighbourhood. Known for his signature white attire and heartfelt leadership, he stands as a symbol of hope and perseverance in challenging times for Dharavi.

This story revolves around Zari Karigars seamlessly shuffling beads into pins and passing white crystals through yellow fabric, headed by Vivek Ji, the preserver of this timeless art form.

Shahid Sheikh’s dyeing unit in Dharavi may be small, but it’s full of colour, care, and quiet skill. His story is one of patience, pride, and the kind of work that speaks for itself.