Contrary to popular belief, Thane has a rich and culturally significant history. While many consider the area to be an expansive forestland that developed into a sprawling city of its own over the last few decades, Thane’s place in Mumbai’s history cannot be ignored.

Asia’s very first passenger train ran from the heart of Bombay’s Bori Bunder (present day CSMT Station) to Thane in 1853. Why Thane? Because it had a well-developed port where trade took place for cloth, spices, and horses.

After Independence, Thane slowly developed as an industrial settlement. Today, there’s so much to be proud of: Thane’s historical significance, it’s hyper-local food culture (think: the spiciest misal pavs to have ever existed!), their vibrant interest in the performing arts and theatre culture, the presence of serene lakes and ponds, and the people’s unique way of living a quiet life despite the commercialisation of their surroundings.

SOCIAL’s newest outpost in Viviana Mall pays homage to #ThanePride by incorporating elements that are inspired by a Thanekar’s typical day-in-the-life. Hyper local streetscapes of homes and small businesses feature in the interiors in unique ways. For example, booths have been stacked on top of each other - made to look like a home above and a shop below in the vein of a makaan/dukaan idea - which is reminiscent of a typical busy Indian street.

One section also recreates the iconic Shri Gadkari Natya Griha to represent Thane’s deep engagement with the performing arts. Through furniture and light installments, the vibe takes you straight to that of a quintessential Marathi household. The vivid decor in yet another part of the outpost will transport you to the times browsing curiously through Jambli Naka Market or simply chilling by Masunda Lake, where communities were not just birthed, but nurtured too.

Thane SOCIAL is a space that encourages people to come together to #eat, #drnk, #work, #play or #collaborate.