Nirmal Anand, the materialistic way. Review on Nirmal Lifestyles, Mumbai

This review is written in January, 2004 and last updated in November,2004. Since this complex is under construction, I will try and update it whenever any significant change happens.

Shopping, as all die-hard shoppers would agree, is more of an experience than an activity. Reluctant men being urged on by overenthusiastic women is the stereotypical image that is passe now. Today men, women and kids shop with equal fervour. A perfect shopping experience is one in which each family member can go crazy over things that excite them. Nirmal Lifestyles in Mumbai is such a place.

Located in the north-eastern suburb of Mulund, Nirmal Lifestyles defies description. It's a shopping complex, an office complex, and a conglomeration of residential towers. The place is reasonably calm during daytime but as the Sun goes down, the place takes on an energetic avatar. It comes alive with lights, neons, hundreds of joyful faces and a happy buzz. The atmosphere takes on the colours of energy and fervour. The centre of attraction (quite literally) is the ''Events Area'' at the centre of the complex. On many evenings, specially on weekends, you'll find this area bustling with activity. Games, contests, entertainment, music keep this area sufficiently high-voltage. The place is stylishly elegant and yet doesn't suffer from the snobbery that many places like this succumb to. The surroundings are very well-kept. This is the kind of place that drives away boredom & gloominess faster than you can say ''Oh.''

Shopping malls tend to close in on you. Nirmal Lifestyles is different. Thanks to the spacious layout and lots of open space,the place offers enough breathing space even for the breathless shopper.

The complex is under construction and when it's complete, I'm sure the excitement will multiply manifold.

Directions

Nirmal Lifestyles is on LBS Marg in Mulund. If you are coming via Powai, take the left turn at the Gandhinagar signal and get on to LBS Marg. After you cross Asian Paints at Bhandup Sonapur, keep going straight after the signal. You will find Nirmal Lifestyles to your left immediately after crossing the signal. You can't miss it with the signages of Shoppers Stop & McDonald's. If you're taking the Eastern Express Highway, cross over to Mulund (West) on the Mulund-Goregaon Link Road. Turn right at the Sonapur signal and you'll find Nirmal Lifestyles to your left.

Brands

Archies, Bata, Cotton World, Fabindia, Kaya Skin Clinic, Kian Furniture, McDonald's, My Dollar Shop, Pepe, Pizza Hut, Planet Fashion, Provogue, Sachin's Restaurant, SF Jeans Co., Shoppers' Stop, Sony, Swan, TBZ Jewellers, The Grill Restaurant, W Womenswear, Wills Lifestyle, 9to9 Dollar Shop.

Upcoming

Cafe Coffee Day, PVR Multiplex, Shoprite Hypermart and many others.

Note: The information about upcoming brands is based on the reviewer's knowledge. Please check with individual brands or the developer for accurate information.