The world’s best record shops #133: Music Circle, Mumbai

“We are doing our bit to keep this beautiful format alive in India.”

Every week, we pick out one must-visit spot from a different city around the world with photos and a little bit of history. Think of it as a kind of 1000 places to see before you die for record shops.

Our first visit to Mumbai is with Pilak Bhatt, the founder of family run record shop Music Circle, and a passionate custodian of vinyl in India.

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Music Circle

Website

Location: V Mall, Shop No. 40, Gr. Floor, Thakur Complex, Kandivali (East), Mumbai 400101

Go for: Bollywood soundtracks, Indian folk and classical music

What’s the story?

Born from owner Pilak Bhatt’s 40+ year obsession with record collecting, Music Circle is a beacon for rare local music. Initially run from his Mumbai apartment before moving into a fully fledged store five years ago, Bhatt runs Music Circle with his wife Ujwala and his son Yash, and colleague Kranti.

“We are doing our bit to keep this beautiful format alive in India,” explains Pilak. “We want to remind people that analogue sound is better than MP3s. We feel that vinyl collecting should not be the preserve of rich and elite – the common man should be able to afford it.”

Music Circle boasts a fine selection of rock, jazz and blues – one of Pilak’s most prized possession is a rare Beatles 78RPM made in India – but we suggest you go for the local discoveries. The shimmering sound of Bollywood, Indian classical music, Indian regional and folk music and Ghazal, all fill the racks of Music Circle. And if you can’t manage to pay them a visit, check out their Discogs pages at VinylsFromIndia and MusicCircle.