A PERFUMED STORY
Rooted in history, this Bhendi Bazaar shop is where you will find attars from the world over.
The story of Shama Brothers Perfumers, one of Bhendi Bazaar’s oldest attar shops, is closely linked to that of India’s Mughal rulers. The tale goes back to the year 1615 when Badi Al Zaman Shama first set up his perfurmery on the outskirts of Agra. Shah Jahan and his successor Aurangzeb were both loyal patrons of Shama’s famed attar, made locally from the flowers growing in the region. Attar clearly runs in the family’s veins, for the business has been carried forward by seven generations and the Shamas continue to manufacture the alcohol-free perfumes in Kannauj.
A Steady A-scent
Currently run by brothers Lala, Zaid and Salman Shama, the shop was set up opposite another Bhendi Bazaar icon Shalimar restaurant in the year 1890, when their grandfather moved from Agra to Mumbai. The shop is close to Crawford Market, which was built in 1889. Back then, Zaid suspects, they were likely the only attar manufacturers retailing in Bhendi Bazaar. The area has over the years become an attar galli of sorts and is home to about 15 to 20 attar shops.
Favourite Fragrances
The Ruh Gulaab, one of the most expensive fragrances, is all the rage with the Sheikhs of UAE. The extravagant attar costs about Rs 18 lakh per kilo and is made from roses that grow only in the Kannauj area.
A Modern Twist
If you prefer something a little less expensive, ask for “French” attar and get Turkish imports that mimic the trendiest perfumes. Details shamaperfumes.com At 10, Patka Manzil, SVP Road, Bhendi Bazaar Tel 9223423396