17 years ago, when Aundh was a small quiet suburb of Pune, this leather artist decided to make leather chappals for the residents of Aundh. It was a task for locals to travel to the main city for shopping and good footwear wasn’t available in Aundh. Without any shop or a store, this artist focused on making good quality Kolhapuri chappals and selling them on the streets!
Meet Gadekar kaka, the uncelebrated artist who sits everyday right at Parihar chowk next to Prashant Men’s Salon. We could not help but take a moment to admire the neatly crafted kolhapuri chappals on display. On enquiring curiously, Gadekar kaka shyly told us that he is the designer, the maker and the seller of these handcrafted kolhapuris. Isn’t that one wonderful exploration we came across in Parihar Chowk, Aundh?
Gadekar kaka himself sources the leather and other raw material from Kolhapur. He hand makes all the chappals at his home nearby in Aundh only. He makes the original authentic Kolhapuri chappals that make the right sound when you walk! Also looking at the current fashion trend, he also has started making colorful variations with dyed leather and cushioned comfort for the feet.
The precision with which he makes each piece is really admirable and nothing less than a chappal available at any branded outlet. Gadekar kaka is a gem of a craftsman who is dedicated to making authentic Kolhapuri footwear. It is worth a visit next time you think of buying a chappal for yourself!
Contact: 9923088449
Location: Gadekar Kaka Chappals, Next to Prashant Men’s Salon, Parihar Chowk, Aundh, Pune.
