Welcome to Calicut‘s distinguished neighbourhood of art and commerce, better known to Kozhikodens as Gujarati street. A stone's throw from the south beach, it is a historic locality with a vibrant community, neatly sandwiched between Halwa bazar and Palayam. As you meander down the narrow pathways, it is almost impossible not to feel a strange harmony all around. The first thing you’d notice is the calming ambience, a stark contrast to the hustle and bustle of other streets. Many an artist has been inspired by a soothing stroll through Gujarati street under the evening Calicut sky. The very next thing that tantalises your senses would be the exotic smells of the place-the unmistakable smell of rice grains, Malabar spices and gunny sacks. Stacked sacks and cartons are a common sight at every corner, but that’s not what catches your eyes. Everywhere you look, you are guaranteed to receive a warm smile from the street’s many residents. Some would even invite you into their little two-storied homes for a chai!
Under his quiet demeanour, lies an adventure with an unparalleled zeal for travel and culture. Quite the charmer, he indulges people Of all age groups and demographics to in engrossing conversation with utmost ease.
Mr. Basheer first started travelling in 1976 while working with the Dubai police as an assistant accountant for 18 years. In 1996, he left his job and joined the family furniture business in the middle east. He then quickly rose to the rank of CEO within the next few years by personally established new markets and suppliers from Chaina to America. During this time, he developed into an avid antique collector, mainly fuelled by his constant travels. A lot of his artistic characteristics were reinforced during his business trip to Germany, Belgium and the USA. Inspired by the cafés he frequented in Istanbul and Damascus, Mr. Basheer wanted to create a similar atmosphere back in his hometown. Gudhaam was an idea two years in the making, in fact, it is a time capsule of his memoirs of memories. As a patron of the arts, Gudhaam is a personal dream come true for Mr. Basheer and a worthy legacy to the man’s incredible journey!
Back in the day, Gujarati traders set up a shop on the ground floor and housed their families above. nowadays, most of the original Gujarati families have moved out but the street hasn’t lost one bit of its charm. although there‘re workers, porters and vendors scuttling about, they work with such panache and efficiency that there’s hardly any noise. The only prominent sound that you'd hear are old printing presses and transistor radios, with An occasional ghazal or two. The Gujarat Street in Calicut is also a perfect example of Indian society with a mosque and a temple sitting side by side, complemented by a prominent Anglo-Indian church within walking distance.