In the bustling city of Chennai it is not easy to come across people
practicing their profession on a roadside, the road just outside
Pachaiyappas college which at one time was place of practice to so many
fortune tellers, palm readers, parrots who will tell your fortune by
drawing a card and allowing their owners to tell you what you will be in
years to come now has no one sitting on the pavement, one more
profession which is slowly dying because of the pressures of a large and
ever growing city and modernization. The population which is now
exposed to cultures and fashion trends from across the waters and modern
thinking finds itself with less belief in fortune tellers and everyday
that goes by only serves to dig a grave deeper for these professions.
Today one has to fix an appointment with an astrologer and then meet him
in an office, most probably air conditioned and he allows you to record
his observation of the moon and stars as regards your horoscope. When
was the last you saw the Boom Boom Madu in your locality, the owner of
which would come around shouting “Jakkamma sollara” or a man carrying
his machine for sharpening your kitchen knives, or the umbrella repair
man or vendors pushing arts selling salt? Dying trades, enjoy the sounds
while you can.
If you happen to go by Vasu Street off Poonamallee High Road, adjacent to Ega Theatre you will notice in the mornings a barber practicing his profession on the platform just outside Nathella Mansions. Erulappan the roadside barber tells me that he took over this valuable piece of real estate from his Father in Law about 12 years ago and before him his father in law set up shop every morning for over 20 years. The family has been in continuous undisturbed possession of this real estate for over 30 years. Nathella Mansions has been here for so long and most probably Erulappans Father in Law set up shop while the house was being built or maybe even before that time. Yes it is the house of Nathella Jewellers on Vasu Street.
Erulappan
Erulappan sets up shop at about 7 or thereabouts every morning and goes about his work as he has been doing so for the past so many years. Closeby is Beverly Hotel and opposite the roadside barber is an auto stand. The auto stand provides a few faithful customers and Erulappan does have a few regularsl who come by as and when they want a shave or a haircut. Erulappan uses a small hand held mirror so his customers can see the result of his work. After the haircut or shave, the customer usually sits around for a chat with others who have come. in fact many of the auto drivers hang around with Erulappan till they are hailed, obviously Erulappan is a good conversationalist and his company is enjoyed by many. With a tea shop opposite and opportunity for custom for the auto rickshaws and so many passers by it must be a good place to have a barber shop. However, Erulappan tells me that this is not so, obviously people feel uncomfortable sitting on a pavement for a haircut or a shave but he does have a few who are regulars, he makes enough to keep the shop going.
When I quizzed him about the people who occupy the Nathella Mansion, Erulappan tells me that he normally does not have enormous problems with them but once in a way they do come and ask hm to move out but according to him there is no altercation. Erulappan does not fight he just packs his bags and leaves and comes back the next day. He has learnt to survive. I am glad I do not have an Erulappan just outside my house, but then, these trades have to survive continuing to provide Madras with its charm and graciousness.
Anyone for a haircut?
If you happen to go by Vasu Street off Poonamallee High Road, adjacent to Ega Theatre you will notice in the mornings a barber practicing his profession on the platform just outside Nathella Mansions. Erulappan the roadside barber tells me that he took over this valuable piece of real estate from his Father in Law about 12 years ago and before him his father in law set up shop every morning for over 20 years. The family has been in continuous undisturbed possession of this real estate for over 30 years. Nathella Mansions has been here for so long and most probably Erulappans Father in Law set up shop while the house was being built or maybe even before that time. Yes it is the house of Nathella Jewellers on Vasu Street.
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| Nathella Mansions |
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| Opposite Erulappan is a tea shop and auto stand. Did these sprout because of Erulappan or he is able to survive because of them? |
 |
| Roadside Haricut |
Erulappan
Erulappan sets up shop at about 7 or thereabouts every morning and goes about his work as he has been doing so for the past so many years. Closeby is Beverly Hotel and opposite the roadside barber is an auto stand. The auto stand provides a few faithful customers and Erulappan does have a few regularsl who come by as and when they want a shave or a haircut. Erulappan uses a small hand held mirror so his customers can see the result of his work. After the haircut or shave, the customer usually sits around for a chat with others who have come. in fact many of the auto drivers hang around with Erulappan till they are hailed, obviously Erulappan is a good conversationalist and his company is enjoyed by many. With a tea shop opposite and opportunity for custom for the auto rickshaws and so many passers by it must be a good place to have a barber shop. However, Erulappan tells me that this is not so, obviously people feel uncomfortable sitting on a pavement for a haircut or a shave but he does have a few who are regulars, he makes enough to keep the shop going.
When I quizzed him about the people who occupy the Nathella Mansion, Erulappan tells me that he normally does not have enormous problems with them but once in a way they do come and ask hm to move out but according to him there is no altercation. Erulappan does not fight he just packs his bags and leaves and comes back the next day. He has learnt to survive. I am glad I do not have an Erulappan just outside my house, but then, these trades have to survive continuing to provide Madras with its charm and graciousness.
Anyone for a haircut?
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