About Hirabai
Hirabai stays near Khar-Danda in Bombay. Originally from the Agri community of Alibag, in Raigad district, her family has been living this locality for a few generations. It is almost like a mini village, with a few low roofed houses, which are now being threatened by the tall buildings surrounding them. Apart from managing her own house and children, Hirabai washes clothes and utensils in other households to earn a living.
Hirabai managed to steal a couple of hours in the afternoon from her busy schedule to stitch my Godhadis with the help of her sister. This was the time for women from her neighbourhood to watch television, chat or take their siesta. As Hirabai and her sister worked away in their kholi, women walked in and out giving advice and sometimes lent a helping hand. The work of course came to a complete halt when there was a popular serial on television or on occasions of pujas and fasts, which were many. So for both of us, it was a slow and trying process, requiring a lot of patience.
I was somewhat apprehensive when I took my Godhadis and spread them in Hirabai's kholi. I thought she and her family members would be embarrassed to see the nude female figures. Soon I realized how wrong I was in my assumption. These people accepted my work without any inhibitions and I began to relax.
Hirabai has been very important for my work, not only because she has stitched my Godhadis, but also because I have been able to interact with her and her surroundings. She has indeed enriched my experience.
