Charudatt Pande

My journey from a small town in Maharashtra to Pune brought a profound shift in my experience of space and belonging. Moving from a standalone house with a courtyard and a sense of individuality to an apartment in a metropolitan city, I found myself feeling increasingly disconnected from the urban landscape around me. This sense of isolation led me to explore Pune’s older neighbourhoods, where familiar architectural forms evoked memories of my hometown and stirred a deep sense of nostalgia.This exploration became the starting point for an artistic series centred on the historic Peth areas of Pune. These neighbourhoods embody a fascinating coexistence of past and present. Once home to affluent families, many of their centuries-old wadas (वाडा) now accommodate wholesale markets, shops, and businesses catering to contemporary urban life. The sight of modern commercial activity unfolding within these historic structures reveals the complex relationship between architectural heritage and urban transformation.I am drawn to the contradictions embedded within these spaces. The intricate carvings, craftsmanship, and architectural details of the wadas speak of a rich cultural past, while their present-day use reflects the pressures and realities of a rapidly changing city. They stand as both architectural treasures and witnesses to the changing rhythms of urban life.Through this series, I seek to explore the relationship between memory, architecture, and belonging. As I continue to engage with these spaces, I remain open to the new perspectives and possibilities that emerge from observing the layered histories of Pune’s old neighbourhoods.