Aram Nagar

Aram Nagar
आराम नगर
Neighbourhood
Aram Nagar is located in Mumbai
Aram Nagar
Aram Nagar
Location in Mumbai, India
Coordinates: 19°08′02″N 72°48′48″E / 19.1339874°N 72.813382°E / 19.1339874; 72.813382
CountryIndia
StateMaharashtra
DistrictMumbai Suburban
CityMumbai
SuburbAndheri
Government
 • TypeMunicipal Corporation
 • BodyBrihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (MCGM)
Time zoneUTC+5:30 (IST)
Pincode
400061
Civic agencyBMC

Aram Nagar is a neighborhood in Andheri, a suburb of Mumbai in India. It spans 20 acres and is located adjacent to Versova, in Andheri West of Mumbai. [1]

There are numerous casting agencies, offices of major production houses, and advertising agencies in Aram Nagar.[2] It is referred to as the 'Silicon Valley' for India's media and entertainment industry.[3][4] The rentals in Aram Nagar are known for their affordability, and the available spaces offer flexible lease terms, making it particularly suitable for independent filmmakers operating on limited budgets.[3]

History

During the World War II, this area housed a barrack of the British Indian Army. The Aram Nagar colony was utilized by the British as a training center for anti-submarine operations.[5] In 1947, the government transformed it into a transit camp to accommodate migrating populations. It provided refuge to people who had returned from Pakistan during the partition.[1]

Until the year 2000, it remained a typical residential area. After the year 2000, many offices related to films opened here transforming the area into a hub for aspiring individuals in the entertainment or film industry. Over the past two decades, Aram Nagar has gained recognition as a gateway to Bollywood.[1] Independent filmmakers like Ram Gopal Varma, Sudhir Mishra, Anurag Kashyap, and Tigmanshu Dhulia established their careers from Aram Nagar.[3]

In 2016, it was reported that the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) undertook the demolition of more than 75 unauthorized structures within the Aram Nagar area.[6]

Demography

The area is divided into two parts, Phase-1 and Phase-2, and comprises approximately 900 houses. Around 3,000 individuals striving to establish themselves in the entertainment industry reside here. Aram Nagar is a diverse community, with residents from 10 to 12 different states across India.[1][7][8]

References

  1. ^ a b c d Redekar, Ajit (2023). "लोग कहते हैं रोल चाहिए तो कॉम्प्रोमाइज करो, मुंबई के आराम नगर में बॉलीवुड स्ट्रगलर्स की कहानी" (in Hindi). Dainik Bhaskar.
  2. ^ Parashar, Nihal (January 3, 2023). "'Aram Nagar': Struggle In Bollywood And The Neighbourhood Of Hope". Outlook India.
  3. ^ a b c Bhatt, Shephali (March 10, 2019). "How Aram Nagar in Mumbai became the Silicon Valley of Indian Media & Entertainment Industry". The Economic Times.
  4. ^ Chatterjee, Pramit (December 29, 2020). "'AK vs AK': From Anil Kapoor's Nametag To Anurag Kashyap's T-Shirt, Here's Every Easter Egg And Reference In The Film". Mashable.
  5. ^ Pal, Chandrima (2015-01-03). "Mumbai Multiplex | Gangs of Aram Nagar". mint. Retrieved 2023-09-29.
  6. ^ Thomas, Shibu (February 9, 2016). "75 structures demolished in Aram Nagar: BMC to HC". The Times of India.
  7. ^ Chaudhuri, Mohini (November 21, 2014). "Waiting in the wings". Business Line.
  8. ^ Chatterjee, Arundhati (September 23, 2016). "Actor Manav Kaul's guide to Aram Nagar". Hindustan Times.