Slowness as Practice: Hallu Hallu
SPEAKER(S)
Gopal MS
Aslam Saiyad
RESPONDENT
Amrita Gupta
Hallu Hallu, meaning “Slowly Slowly,” invites you to step away from the frenetic pace of modern life and immerse yourself in a world of wonder through thoughtfully curated walking tours. Founded by Gopal MS and Aslam Saiyad, this initiative aims to foster a deeper connection with people, nature, and culture by encouraging participants to see the world with fresh perspectives.
At Hallu Hallu, walking is more than just an activity; it’s a philosophy. By taking things one step at a time, participants break down barriers – real and imagined -and open themselves up to the beauty and diversity around them. Each walk is an invitation to explore hidden treasures, meet fascinating people, and discover stories that restore faith in humanity.
Hallu Hallu’s tours are designed to uncover surprises in places often overlooked. Popular experiences include the Dahisar River Walk, where participants dive into the rich traditions of Warli art, culture, and cuisine; the Ambu Island Walk, a serene journey featuring Koli seafood and opportunities to spot dolphins; and the East Indian Village Walk, offering a taste of authentic East Indian delicacies.
The walks focus on themes like city rivers, folk festivals, communities, and informal markets. Participants learn to appreciate the interconnectedness of people, wildlife, architecture, and waterbodies, creating memories that enrich their perspectives. HalluHallu believes the world is a shared treasure, urging everyone to embrace its beauty with empathy and curiosity.
The respondent in this conversation is Amrita Gupta, an art historian and co-director at CASP.
Join us on January 24, 2025
at 6:00pm IST
at 6:00pm IST
Meeting ID: 812 3149 4797 | Passcode: 361056
Gopal MS is an advertising copywriter, and an amateur photographer who has been documenting the streets of Mumbai slowly and regularly for over more than a decade. Capturing the ever-changing cityscape, he uses digital technology to document how people live, adapt, and reshape the urban landscape. His interest in documenting cities started in Bangalore where he was working earlier with a photoblog called “Which Main What Cross.” In 2009, on his return to Mumbai, he started documenting the city with his blog “Mumbai Paused.” In 2011, he started an Instagram page by the same name where he documents the city, one post at a time. He is co-founder at Hallu Hallu.
Aslam Saiyad is a social documentary photographer and visiting lecturer in mass media, recently completing a master’s in Environmental Science and pursuing Anthropology. His street exhibitions, “Mumbai Rivers Photo Project” and “The Last Bhistis of Mumbai,” spotlight urban development’s impact on environment and communities. Co-founding Hallu Hallu, a walk tour company, he champions indigenous voices and knowledge, aiming to enrich public understanding. Aslam sheds light on the complex interplay between urban development, environmental degradation, and human livelihoods in his native city.