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The Haunted Legends of Grand Paradi Towers in Mumbai

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The Grand Paradi Towers, a high-rise apartment tower in Mumbai are said to be haunted, possible haunted because of the string of suicides that happened, making people wondering… why? Could it have been something paranormal that made them do it?

Standing tall amidst the bustling cityscape of South Mumbai, the financial hub of India, the Grand Paradi Towers, three residential high-riser built in 1975 at Kemps Corner, has long been associated with luxury and opulence. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Initially home to some of the city’s wealthiest residents, the 28-storey building, once one of Mumbai’s most expensive, now carries the weight of a far darker reputation. Over the years, it has become infamous as one of the most haunted sites in India where the rumor is that a ghost compels its residents to jump to their death.

The Grand Paradi Towers: The luxury apartments are now believed to be one of Mumbai’s most haunted.

A History of Affluence and Tragedy

When Grand Paradi Towers was constructed, it was the epitome of high-end living, attracting the elite of Mumbai. They were diamond merchants, businessmen and Bollywood stars. However, this image of prosperity began to crumble in the late 1990s. 

It seems like it started with the suicide of an elderly couple living in the high risers. Soon, their son and daughter-in-law followed the same tragic fate.

Starting in 1998, the towers became notorious for a series of inexplicable suicides that have since cast a long, eerie shadow over its corridors. More than 20 residents have met their untimely deaths by leaping from the building’s heights, and tragically, the victims have included not only adults but also maids and children.

Exactly what is happening inside of the apartments of this affluent high risers?

The Curse of the Eighth Floor

The spate of suicides has led many to believe that the building is cursed, with particular notoriety attached to the eighth floor in the B wing. This floor has witnessed some of the most distressing incidents, including the deaths of three generations of a single family who all jumped to their deaths. The pattern of these tragic events has given rise to the belief that an evil presence or malevolent spirit compels residents to take their own lives.

Locals and residents have reported an unsettling atmosphere on the eighth floor. Stories abound of strange occurrences, such as disembodied whispers, cold spots, and an oppressive feeling of dread that descends upon anyone who lingers too long. The inexplicable nature of these suicides has led to rampant speculation about paranormal influences, with many convinced that an unseen force drives people to their demise.

Paranormal Activities and Unseen Entities

Visitors and paranormal enthusiasts who have ventured into Grand Paradi Towers often recount eerie experiences. Flickering lights, sudden gusts of cold wind, and the sensation of being watched are commonly reported phenomena. 

Some claim to have seen shadowy figures moving in the periphery of their vision, only to vanish when directly observed. The most chilling accounts come from those who have felt an invisible force pushing or pulling them towards the edges of the balconies, evoking a visceral fear of an imminent fall and a chilling voice egging them to kill themselves.

The Victims of the Suicides

But could it be something else than paranormal activity driving the residents to take their own life? 

In the case of the elderly couple, Vasadeo and Tara Dalal on June 14th in 1998, the police found a letter, detailing how they claimed their son and daughter in law harassed them to death. Seven years later, when the verdict of the court case was raised against the son and daughter-in-law, they chose the same fate and so did their 19-year-old daughter. They lived on the eighth floor and the haunted rumors started to circulate after this, especially it being connected to the eighth floor. It is said that after this, they sealed the apartment in question. If that is still the case today though, is unknown. 

The 24 year old Charisma Kadakia who jumped in 2000, it was said she was depressed, although her boyfriend claimed he had no idea about her plans. 

With the case of the housemaid, it is unclear if she actually jumped or fell out of the window. There was also another domestic help that threatened to jump from the 19th floor after his employers accused him of stealing.

A Place of Unease and Avoidance

Today, despite its prime location and luxurious facade, Grand Paradi Towers is avoided by many who fear its haunted reputation. The once-coveted address has seen a decline in desirability, with prospective buyers and tenants often deterred by the building’s dark history. 

Another thing worth noting, is the proximity to the mysterious Mumbai’s Tower of Silence in the forest just behind the towers. Stories tell that back when the suicide happened, you could still see the vultures circling over the parsi burial place, giving the place an eerie feeling.

At one point the committee organized counselling sessions for its residents in an attempt to curb the dangerous trend. Rumors ran rampant about the reason for the strange things happening in the towers. Had they in fact built the apartments on top of a burial ground?

The owners even got carried away with the haunted rumors and ordered a puja and a havan. It is said that since then, the activity has stopped.

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References:

The jinx of Grand Paradi | Latest News India – Hindustan Times 

Grand Paradi Towers – Wikipedia 

India’s Most Haunted: Grand Paradi Towers in Mumbai | India.com 

https://hauntedplacesinindia.weebly.com/grand-paradi-towers.html

The spooky story of these haunted towers in the heart of Mumbai 

Haunted India: Grand Paradi Towers, Malabar Hill, Mumbai

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The Haunting of Madh Island Road and its Beaches by the Murdered Bride

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On this serene vacation island with its lush beaches, it is said that Madh Island Road and the nearby beaches are haunted by a would-be bride that was brutally murdered in the area. 

Madh Island Road, located in Mumbai, India, is known for its picturesque beach and luxurious resorts facing the Arabian Sea. However, what many people don’t know is that this seemingly idyllic location is also home to one of India’s most terrifying ghost stories. 

This road connects the mainland of Mumbai to Madh Island, which is a small fishing village with a population of about 10,000 people. The narrow and deserted road is about 15 kilometers long and is surrounded by mangroves, salt pans, and fishing villages. 

The legend goes that a woman in white haunts the road at night, causing accidents and terrorizing anyone who crosses her path both on the Madh Island Road and the surrounding beaches. 

The Murdered Woman in the Mangroves

One of the most told legends about this area is about the young woman that is said to linger. According to the stories she was brutally murdered on her wedding day and her body was disposed of in the thick forests of mangroves nearby.

She is said to roam the beaches, and streets where it is said she is stopping passing cars. According to the stories she is still wearing her bridal clothes and anklets as she is sobbing. For what is uncertain. To get help or to warn people? To get some sort of revenge? In any case she is said to have been the cause of several of the road accidents that happen on these roads.

The Death on the Road

Another variant of the legend is that she wasn’t murdered per se, but died in a car crash together with her husband on their wedding night. The reasons for their crash have many variants. Some claim that they simply were unlucky, some say that the husband sped the car in front of the car and jumped, leaving his wife to fatally crash into it. 

The woman died on the spot, and her spirit is said to have haunted the road ever since. According to the legend, the woman’s ghost appears on the road at night, causing accidents and terrorizing anyone who crosses her path.

When these stories are said to have happened varies, but the legends go back at least a couple of decades. According to the stories she is said to appear on nights with the full moon and staff working at the hotels nearby are said to have heard her dying screams. 

The Ghost of the Bus Passengers

Another told legends from these parts is about the ghosts of passengers of a ghost that crashed somewhere along the road. It is said that ghosts haunt the road, looking for help. There are also several car crashes that are said to have left their ghosts, as they wander the road they died on for eternity. 

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References:

https://www.india.com/travel/articles/be-warned-drive-down-these-10-haunted-roads-in-india-only-if-you-must-3238874/

Mumbai’s Bone-Chilling🥶10 Most Haunted Places 

Will You Give In To Your Worst Fears When You Travel On These Roads 

10 Haunted Indian Roads You Should Never Drive On At Night | RenewBuy 

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The Mystery of D’Souza Chawl

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Deep in the D’Souza Chawl there is a well that had to be sealed after a woman fell out and drowned in it. Her ghostly screams trying to get out of the well are still heard, and residents in the chawls claim to have seen a ghostly silhouette around the neighborhood. 

In the heart of the bustling city of Mumbai lies a small and unassuming residential area known as D’Souza Chawl close in Mahim neighborhood close to the Canossa primary school in Mumbai. But despite its seemingly ordinary appearance, this neighborhood has been shrouded in mystery and speculation for years. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Rumors of paranormal activity and ghostly sightings of a drowned woman have plagued the area, leading many to wonder if D’Souza Chawl is truly haunted. 

The Legend of D’Souza Chawl

A chawl which is a Marathi word: चाळ) is a type of residential building found in western India. Usually low quality housing and chawls are generally associated with poverty or perhaps now with the  burgeoning middle-class communities. The first chawls were constructed in the early 1700s, as housing for industrial workers, especially around the textile mills.

Indian Chawls: This type of housing is known around Mumbai as a chawl, known for their simple community based structures around the textile mills and throughout the city. // Source: Adam Cohn/Flickr

D’Souza Chawl has a long and storied history dating back to colonial times in the now wealthiest city in India. Built in the early 1900s, the chawl was originally home to migrant workers in the mills and the likes in Mumbai. With its seemingly unremarkable three-storied building housings, you wouldn’t necessarily believe this also houses one of the more well known paranormal spots as well. 

Haunting Experiences of Residents and Visitors

Over the years, the community grew, and many more families moved in. However, over time, the chawl began to develop a reputation for being a hub of supernatural activity. The residents of D’Souza Chawl have reported experiencing a range of strange and unexplained occurrences over the years. 

Visitors to the area as well as the residents have also reported feeling a sense of unease or discomfort when visiting the neighborhood. Some of the most common experiences reported include hearing footsteps in empty hallways, seeing apparitions, and feeling a sudden drop in temperature. Many people have also reported feeling as though they are being watched or followed when walking through the chawl. But who is haunting this neighborhood?

The Haunted Well at D’Souza Chawl

Once, the community living in D’Souza Chawl dug up a well in the Chawl as the residents were lacking water resources when they found underground water in the center of the Chawl. The well was not secured though with no boundaries to it, making it dangerous, 

According to the ghost story told in the neighborhood, a woman living in D’Souza Chawl went by herself to get water in the well. She was thirsty in the dark night and fell into its depths. She cried for help the whole night as she tried to get out from the dark and cold well, but ended up drowning before anyone even noticed she was gone. 

Read Also: Banchō Sarayashiki — the Ghost of Okiku who also was drowned in a well.

The next day the drowned lady was found and the well was sealed to prevent further tragic accidents. The locals didn’t want to use the well after this either, and they tried to move on from the event.

Although her family are said to have left the chawl quickly after, her spirit lingered. Today, people still hear the lady’s scream close to the well and think that her spirit is now haunting the residential area. There are also people reporting about seeing a woman’s figure that just disappears into thin air.

Although people claim her spirit is harmless and that she has never harmed anyone, people are advised to stay away at night.  

The Ghost of the Guard

When the incident with the well in D’Souza Chawl is said to have happened though is uncertain. Also who she was, and where her family went. The details are hazy, but not as hazy as the other ghost lingering. 

It is also said that a guard is haunting the Chawl at night. People spot him near one of the trees where he appears at night to guard the area. He as well as the woman supposed to be haunting the D’Souza Chawl, remain nameless for the rest of eternity.

Is D’Souza Chawl Really Haunted?

While many people have reported experiencing strange occurrences in the area, there is no concrete evidence to suggest that these experiences are the result of supernatural activity.

However, it is clear that the stories surrounding D’Souza Chawl have captured the imaginations of many, and have become a well known story in Mumbai, as well as India. Whether or not the chawl is truly haunted remains a mystery, but there is no denying that it is a fascinating and intriguing place to explore.

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References:

D’Souza Chawl, the Most Haunted Place in Mumbai – HubPages 

D’Souza chawl – Most Haunted Place in Mumbai 

India’s Most Haunted: D’Souza Chawl in Mahim | India.com 

Chawl – Wikipedia What is the mystery of D’Souza Chawl in Mumbai? – Quora

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Ghosts of the Taj Mahal Palace — India’s Grandest Hotel

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The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai is one of the city’s most luxurious places to stay, and even through horrible tragedy and decay, it has always come out on the other side shining. Still, there are some haunted stories echoing through the halls where one of the architects is lingering as a regretful ghost. 

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel in Mumbai is one of the most iconic hotels in India. The five-star luxury hotel has been the preferred destination for celebrities, dignitaries, and even royalty since it was built in 1903 next to the Gateway of India. 

The hotel known as The Taj has been witness to some of the most significant events in India’s history, including being a military hospital during WWII and the country’s struggle for independence. It has also been the site of tragic incidents, such as the 2008 terrorist attacks that left the hotel scarred and at least 167 people were killed. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

Over the years, many guests and staff members have reported eerie experiences and sightings of ghosts roaming the halls and rooms of the hotel. From the ghost of a former chief engineer to the spirit of a young girl who drowned in the hotel’s pool, the Taj Mahal Palace’s paranormal tales continue to fascinate and intrigue visitors from all over the world. 

The History of the Taj Mahal Palace

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel was built by Jamsetji Tata, a prominent Indian industrialist, as a response to the British-only hotels in the city. The hotel was designed by Indian architect W.A. Chambers, and was opened to the public on December 16, 1903. 

Read more: Check out all of the Haunted Hotels around the world

Since then, the hotel that is named after the Taj Mahal in Agra has undergone several changes and renovations, and after a period in the 50s and 60s where it was neglected and became a bit run down, it has retained its grandeur and elegance.

The Story of the Ghost of the Architect

One of the most popular legends associated with the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is the legend of the ghost of the architect, W.A. Chambers. According to the legend, Chambers was so guilty of a mistake in his creation that he couldn’t bear to leave it even after his death. 

According to legend, he approved some blueprints of the hotel before going back to England for a short trip. When he returned to Mumbai though, he realized a mistake he had made in the design. Apparently the building was built facing the wrong way that it was intended. 

He could never let this mistake go and it is said that he took his own life by jumping from the 5th floor of the hotel. 

It is said that his spirit still roams the hotel, checking the quality of the work done by the staff. Many guests and staff members have reported seeing a man who matches Chambers’ description walking around the hotel’s corridors.

Some even claim that a staff member was knocked out by his ghost when the staff was trying to steal some of the silverware. 

Who was Really the Mastermind Behind the Taj?

Now, how much of this enduring legend of the hotel is actually true? It is true that English Engineer W.A Chambers did work on the Taj Mahal Hotel, although perhaps not as much as the legend gives him credit for. 

The project actually came from the Parsee Indian, Jamsedji Tata with a vision to build a hotel Mumbai, (Bombay at the time,) worthy and used as much steel to build the dome as the eiffel tower did. It was also the first building in Mumbai to be fully electrified. The original architects were Siddhesh S., Sitaram Khanderao Vaidya and D. N. Mirza. However, Chambers, Tata’s friend, came in and completed it after Vaidya died. 

A Seafront View: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel with the rooms pointing out to overlook the water. Could the whole haunted story just be based on an architectural misunderstanding? Or is it really something about the rumours surrounding the Taj?

When talking about the mistake of where the hotel faces, it actually looks like it was Tata that wanted the rooms, not the entrance to look out to the sea, something very uncommon in India. Although it also made it easier for the horse carriages to pull up to the entrance. 

As for Chambers, death, well. Although not concluded with evidence, at least the reasoning for his suicide we can conclude not true. 

Check into The Taj Mahal Hotel

The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel is a grand and iconic landmark that has stood the test of time. However, behind its opulent façade lies a darker side of history, filled with spooky tales of ghosts and hauntings. The hotel has been witness to some of the most significant events in India’s history, and it continues to fascinate and intrigue visitors from all over the world.

Despite the ghostly legends that surround it, the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel remains an important symbol of India’s rich heritage and culture.

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References:

https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2008/dec/03/taj-mahal-hotel-mumbai

(The Almost Complete) History of Taj Mahal Palace Hotel & Tower, Mumbai – The Creativity Engine Haunted India: The Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, Mumbai

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The Haunting of Mumbai’s Tower of Silence

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The sky burial method by the Tower of Silence for the Zoroastrian in Mumbai has been up for debate after the vulture population started to decline. There has also been a rise of haunted horror stories in later years circulating online, but just what is supposed to haunt the ancient burial place?

Right by the exclusive neighborhood of Malabar Hill in Mumbai lies a centuries-old structure shrouded in mystery and macabre legend – the Tower of Silence. This imposing structure deep in the 54-acre forest has long been associated with the Parsi community’s unique funeral customs, which involve leaving the dead on the tower’s rooftop to be devoured by vultures. 

Read more: Check out all of the ghost stories from India

However, reports of strange sightings and eerie happenings surrounding the Tower have sparked widespread speculation about the supernatural. Some say that the spirits of the departed are haunting the Tower, while others believe that darker forces may be at play. Is there something behind these rumors, or are they only fancy tales about a dwindling minority?

History and significance of the Tower of Silence in Mumbai

The Tower of Silence is a circular structure located in Mumbai’s Malabar Hill area. This particular tower was built in 1672 by Seth Moti Hirji and the Parsi community who practice the Zoroastrian religion and is not meant for outsiders to come and see, but for the community to bury their own. 

Read more: Check out more ghost stories from cemeteries around the world

The Tower is a significant part of the Parsi community’s funeral customs that date back 3000 years, which involve the disposal of the dead in a sky burial. The concept of the towers are as old as 900 years. The Parsi religion believes that the body is impure after death and should not be buried or cremated. Instead, the dead are taken to the Tower of Silence, where they are left on the rooftop to be consumed by vultures.

The Zoroastrian religion and its beliefs around death

The Parsi community is an ethnic and religious minority in India that came to India around the 8th or 10th century AD after escaping from the rise of the Islamic Empire. In 1941 there were around 114 000 of them in India, but today, they estimate around 50 000. This does have something to do with 40 % of Parsi marrying outsiders, but you are only considered Parsi if you have a Parsi father. The women are often ostracized if they marry outside of their community. 

The Parsi follow the Zoroastrian religion, which originated in ancient Persia and is one of the world’s oldest faiths that possibly dates back to the 2000 BCE. The Zoroastrian religion has a unique view on death and the afterlife compared to most religions. This comes from the prophet Zarathushtra that believed that the soul is immortal and will eventually reunite with its creator. 

The Faravahar: also known as the Foruhar or the Farre Kiyâni, is a well-known symbol of Zoroastrianism. There are different interpretations of what the Faravahar represents, and there is no definite agreement on its meaning. However, it is commonly believed that the Faravahar is a Zoroastrian depiction of the fravashi, or personal spirit. The Faravahar is widely recognized in Iran and is often worn as a pendant. Although it has religious origins, it has also become a secular and cultural symbol for Iranians.

However, the body is considered Nasu which means impure after death and should not be buried or cremated. Instead, it should be left to decompose naturally. Not only was there the danger of spreading diseases, but it was also believed that corpses would attract evil spirits to possess them, also known as the Nasu Daeva, the body demon that infects the bodies. 

The Parsi community’s funeral customs involve taking the body of the deceased to the Tower of Silence, where it is left on the rooftop to be consumed by vultures. This funeral process is known as “dokhmenashini,” which means “to place the body in the Tower of Silence.”  and the towers themselves, called The Dakhma, originated in ancient Persia around 900 AD.

The process of disposing of the dead at the Tower of Silence

The process of disposing of the dead at the Tower of Silence is a unique and complex one. When a Parsi person dies, the body is taken to the Tower of Silence and placed on the rooftop in the dakhma, which is the funerary tower. The rooftop has three concentric circles, each with a specific purpose. The outer circle is for men, the middle circle is for women, and the inner circle is for children.

The Tower of Silence in Mumbai: A late 19th century engraving of a Zoroastrian Tower of Silence in Mumbai. Engraving from 1886 book “True Stories of the Reign of Queen Victoria” by Cornelius Brown.

Along with placing the body in the Tower of Silence, they recite the Vendidad which is a religious chant against the demons. 

Once the body is placed on the rooftop, it is left to decompose naturally. The vultures consume the body, leaving only the bones behind in a matter of days. The bones are then collected and placed in an ossuary, which is a receptacle for human bones.

Controversies and debates around the Tower of Silence

The Tower of Silence has been a subject of controversy and debate for many years. Some people believe that the Parsi community’s funeral customs are inhumane and should be abolished. They argue that the Tower of Silence is a health hazard and a breeding ground for diseases, especially after Mumbai’s urban growth closing in on the once isolated sky burial sites. In Iran, they were banned in the 1970s after urbanization declared it a health hazard. 

There was also the case of a shortage of vultures in India that made the burial method a controversy. After the drug Diclofenac, an anti-inflammatory medicine was introduced to livestock in the 1990s, it killed off 95 % of the birds as it was toxic for them to feed on the carcasses. It was banned in 2006, but the damage was already done.

On the other hand, the Parsi community argues that their funeral customs are an essential part of their identity and cultural heritage, although many Parsi have started to use cremation or burial instead, especially during Covid when the Tower of Silence was closed. 

Entry Forbidden: An old photograph of the Dakhma from around ca. 1880 – ca. 1890. Today it is found inside of a dense forest and is off limit to outsiders.

They believe that the Tower of Silence is the most natural and respectful way to dispose of the dead. But when a woman named Dhun Baria took pictures of the piled up corpses in the dakhmas, they saw for themselves that their ancient way of purification didn’t work as it should after the vulture shortage. The rumors about the delayed decomposing of the corpses and a smell coming from the forest, although not confirmed, took hold over the narrative of the ancient tradition. 

In recent years, there have been efforts to preserve and renovate the Tower of Silence, trying new and modern ways of decomposing. Like how they use solar power to speed up the process and work toward vulture conservation. The Parsi community has been working with the government and other organizations to ensure that the Tower is properly maintained and preserved for future generations.

Theories and speculations surrounding the macabre mystery

Now, perhaps this ancient and mysterious and different practice of disposing of the dead is what makes the place sound a little eerie and makes people question if there is something going on there. Perhaps it is the dwindling population that is leaving the Zoroastrian ways behind in the modern world that makes it all seem a bit out of place in modern Mumbai?

Or perhaps it is even the controversies and the difficulty the community had of disposing and honoring the dead after the vultures almost died out? Perhaps it is what the prophet said that the corpses are more vulnerable to attracting evil spirits and that is what is happening surrounding the legends and folklore of this cemetery?

There have been numerous reports of strange sightings and eerie happenings around the Tower of Silence. Some people have reported seeing apparitions of the deceased, while others have reported hearing strange sounds and voices. There have also been reports of unexplained movements and objects moving on their own.

The Tower of Silence’s Future

The Tower of Silence is a unique and fascinating structure with a rich history and cultural significance. It is a testament to the Parsi community’s unique customs and beliefs, which have been passed down through generations. Despite the controversy and speculation surrounding the Tower, it remains an essential part of the Parsi community’s identity and a significant landmark in Mumbai. 

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References:

Tower of Silence: The Vanishing Practice of Zoroastrian Sky Burial | Parsi Khabar 

Why India’s Parsi Population Is Shrinking Dramatically – The New York Times 

This is what you should know about the haunted ‘Tower of Silence’ in Mumbai..! 

Death in the city: How a lack of vultures threatens Mumbai’s ‘Towers of Silence’ | Cities | The Guardian 

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Behind the Scenes of Bollywood’s Favorite Haunted Location: Mukesh Mills

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In an old textile mill, the Bollywood film crews moved into the Mukesh Mills after a devastating fire closed it down. But soon, stories from those filming movies there started telling haunted stories, and how actresses were possessed by something that warned them about staying in the mills. 

Bollywood has always had a fascination with the supernatural and the paranormal. And when it comes to haunted locations, there’s one place that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike. Located in the heart of Mumbai, Mukesh Mills has been the setting for some of Bollywood’s most iconic horror movies. But what’s the story behind this eerie location? What makes it so appealing to filmmakers? And is there any truth to the rumors of paranormal activity? 

History of Mukesh Mills

The Mills of Girangaon, integral to Mumbai’s economy during British colonial times when the city was dubbed the “Manchester of the East,” saw a steady decline as newer industries emerged in the area. In the 19th century, India exported and reimported cotton, but escalating costs led to the founding of the Indian cotton industry, with the first mill, “The Bombay Spinning Mill,” established in 1854.

Initially, Indian entrepreneurs led this industry, facing opposition from Lancashire mill owners, which was later offset by British textile machinery manufacturers’ support. These mills were mainly owned and managed by Indians, with initial investments from mill owners’ families and later, public shares. 

Muljibhai Madhvani, the Owner of East African Hardware Ltd., had established a large factory in Bombay. Some say it was the East India Company that set it up in 1870s. It was known as Mukesh Textile Mills. Mukesh Mills, situated in Colaba, Mumbai, was originally known as the Colaba Mill and was established in the late 1800s or early 1900s as the sole mill in South Bombay, strategically located by the sea. 

Initially, it was prosperous, contributing to the cotton export trade between Bombay and Britain. Unfortunately, labor disputes, the 1929 Bombay Mill Workers’ Strike, outsourcing to Japan and the aftermath of World War II caused a decline in the mills, with Mukesh Mills shutting down in 2000.

The Fire of Mukesh Mills

The mill was renovated in 1975, but it wasn’t long before tragedy struck. Mukesh Mills faced a tragic event when a devastating fire in 1982 led to the deaths of numerous workers and the mill’s abandonment. Just how many workers is unclear. Some sites even stated around a thousand, but the claims are unsubstantiated. 

The owners of the mill had applied for closure, but were denied it by the government. On the 18th of January that year they closed it after a year long strike of the mill. A few months later though the fire broke out with devastating consequences. 

After the mill was shut down, the property was left abandoned for many years and they never found the exact cause of the fire. The decaying buildings and overgrown vegetation gave the place an eerie and haunted look, which caught the attention of filmmakers. In the years that followed, Mukesh Mills became a popular location for Bollywood movies, especially horror flicks.

Mukesh Mills in Bollywood

Mukesh Mills has been the setting for some of Bollywood’s most iconic horror movies. From the classic “Mahal” starring Madhubala to the contemporary hit “Raaz” starring Bipasha Basu, the mill has been a favorite haunt of filmmakers, especially in the 1990s. Its dilapidated buildings, overgrown vegetation, and abandoned machinery provide the perfect backdrop for horror movies.

Mukesh Hill: Now the place is mainly used as a movie set for Bollywood productions or as a place that attracts paranormal seekers. //Source: Flickr

Apart from horror movies, Mukesh Mills has also been used in other Bollywood movies such as “Salaam-e-Ishq” and “Talaash.” The mill’s unique look and feel have made it a favorite location for filmmakers who want to add a touch of mystery and intrigue to their movies.

Haunted stories and legends associated with Mukesh Mills

Over the years, Mukesh Mills has gained a reputation for being haunted. There are many stories and legends associated with the mill, which have only added to its allure. One watchman once claimed to have heard music and voices coming from the mill, but there was no one there that day. When he saw someone smoking, he didn’t dare to enter it in case he would come face to face with a malevolent ghost. Most of these stories come from the film crews and actresses that have been at the place to shoot.

Haunted Bollywood: The movie Footpath is said to be one of the movies were they experienced something supernatural on set.

According to these stories there was one actress’s voice that suddenly changed, grew hoarse and manly and she started shouting to the crew members and warning them that they had to stay away from the mill. The director thought she had to be possessed by an evil spirit and the entire crew got out of there fast. 

In 2003, the actress Bipasha Basu was shooting a scene for her film Footpath. She felt like something was hindering her when she tried to walk over the room and say her lines. They performed a puja, a hindu prayer, to ward off the evil spirits. But it didn’t seem to work as they shot the scene at another location instead.

There is also a story of a child actor being possessed by something when shooting a scene. The child started to act strange and rolled on the ground with her hands behind her back. And although the possession lasted only a couple of seconds, the fear of those that witnessed it lasted for much longer. It is said that all the company present started crying and screaming, but the father of the child assured that she would return to normal as soon as they were far away from the mills. 

But what spirits are haunting this place? According to some people, the mill is haunted by the ghosts of the workers who died in accidents or due to poor working conditions. Some say it is a man that is now a restless spirit. 

The Lingering Ghosts at Mukesh Mills

Mukesh Mills is a hauntingly beautiful location that has captured the imagination of filmmakers and audiences alike, although from 2019, the location was shut down because the building’s structure was too weak and unsafe. Its dilapidated buildings, overgrown vegetation, and abandoned machinery provide the perfect backdrop for horror movies and photographs. But beyond its spooky reputation, Mukesh Mills is also a testament to Mumbai’s rich industrial history and a must-visit destination for history buffs and architecture enthusiasts. 

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Bollywood’s favourite Mukesh Mills shut for shoots; corporator Makarand Narwekar terms BMC’s action mala fide

Bollywood’s favourite Mukesh Mills shut for shoots; corporator Makarand Narwekar terms BMC’s action mala fide 

https://mysteriesrunsolved.com/haunted-mukesh-mills-mumbai/

Horror Tales of Mukesh Mills, Mumbai – Tripoto 

(The Almost Complete) History of Mukesh Mills 

What really haunts Mumbai’s Mukesh Mills? | Condé Nast Traveller India