The Heritage Walk made me see Ahmedabad differently: Malhar Thakar

‘My debut Heritage Walk’ —That’s what

Dhollywood

actor Malhar Thakar told Ahmedabad Times when we met him early Sunday morning just before we started the Ahmedabad Heritage Walk. As the city celebrates the World Heritage Week beginning today (November 19-25), we took a walk to discover the finest Indo-Islamic architecture, exquisite Hindu and Jain temples, the carved wooden houses and a slice of the pol life. As Malhar settled down to watch a short slide show just before the

Heritage Walk

started, he was in a happy mood, all set to explore Ahmedabad’s unique heritage, architecture and living traditions.
Even as he made his way through the curved staircase of the registration office and got ready for the walk, he was mobbed by fans with selfie requests. The photo requests continued throughout the walk and many came and talked to him about his films even as he experienced Ahmedabad in a different way.
The Walk commences from the early 19th century Swaminarayan temple in Kalupur, encompasses a number of diverse spots besides taking a look at the life in the old city and concludes at the famous 15th century Jama Masjid. The 607 years old city of Ahmedabad (1411 A.D) has some of the finest Indian-Islamic architecture and beautifully carved Hindu and Jain temples and intricately designed wooden houses that are a reflection of vernacular architecture along with different influences from across the world.
“I have shot four films in the pol area. But I am so excited to take this walk as I am curious to discover more about Ahmedabad. It’s a matter of pride that Ahmedabad is India’s only

Unesco World Heritage City

.” For him, it was “special” to be at the Swaminarayan temple. He was thoroughly impressed by the temple’s unique architecture.
For Malhar, the next stop was associated with lots of childhood memories. Yes, we are talking about Kavi Dalpatram Chowk, Lambeshwar ni Pol. “It feels so wonderful to be here. I have grown up reading Dalpatram’s poems and it feels so nice to be at a place which is intimately associated with the poet. Just to imagine Kavi Dalpatram sitting on the chowk feels so wonderful. This part of the walk brings back a slice of my childhood.”

Having shot four films in pol areas, Malhar is aware of the rich, varied architecture and its organic community living. At the same time, he felt the Walk gave him a chance to experience the pol area in a more intimate way and helped him to understand the nuances of pol architecture with its share of gates, cul-de-sacs and secret passages. He said, “ I am deeply fascinated by the pol community living, its beautiful old wooden houses, the chabutaras and community meeting spaces. I am also amazed at how connected they are to each other and to nature. The chabutaras are a part of the pol life and how wonderfully it represents the inter-connections of life.”
He was also impressed with the rain-water harvesting systems followed in the pol houses and the Jain temple of the Walled city. He listened intently as the guide Sanket Bhatt explained the intricacies of rain-water harvesting.
As we made our way through the narrow lanes and by-lanes, Malhar showed us his favourite shop which sells dry naasto. And as we made our way to Manek Chowk, he smiled and said, “I simply love this place.” He added, “Imagine, come evening and Manek Chowk just changes. I love Manek Chowk’s vibrancy, warmth and the feel. In fact, I love crowded places. From a silver jewellery market in the day, it becomes foodies’ paradise in the night.” So what does he like to have here? Malhar said, “Ice-cream sandwiches are my all-time favourites. I also love to gorge on Gwalior dosa.” We asked him to elaborate more and he said with a laugh, “It’s a plain dosa with lots and lots of butter.”
From Badshah-no-Haziro, Rani-no-Haziro, we moved to the Jama Masjid which is known for its architectural marvel and that is where the Heritage Walk ends. Ahmedabad’s old city is getting ready to start the day. The shops are opening their shutters on a new hope. People are queuing up to have their share of cutting chai.
On his experience, Malhar said, “It’s a beautiful Sunday. After a long time, I felt a sense of tranquillity even as I walked in my own city. There’s so much to discover in Ahmedabad. There are certain places I have visited before but today I got to know the stories that define these places. The walk made me appreciate the rich nuances of Ahmedabad’s unique heritage much more. I would say, this Sunday has been a great learning experience and very enjoyable. And all this only for the Heritage Walk.”
For Malhar, it will be always a walk to remember.

It’s a nice opportunity to explore the city. As a tourist, one doesn’t get to experience everything. So, this Heritage Walk gives one a chance to discover the city and its rich, varied architecture, life and culture. Knowing the stories of the city also feels nice
— KAREL DEBAENST (BELGIUM)

I am happy to be doing the Heritage Walk. The houses in the Old City are so beautiful. One can feel a sense of history in these houses. The Walk gave me a chance to discover Ahmedabad’s rich heritage
— JAKKRIT PALASAK (THAILAND)