At Mumbai railway stations, while we wait for our trains, there are always small scenes happening around us. One of them is the shoe polish boys — sitting on the platform with their small wooden boxes, ready to shine someone’s shoes before the next train arrives.
They call out gently, with a polite smile, never losing patience even when people walk past. Their quick tak-tak sound, the steady rub of the cloth, and the way the dull leather suddenly shines — it’s all done with such rhythm and skill.
I love that tak-tak sound. I can almost hear it as I type — that firm tap they give when one shoe is done, before you shift and place the other foot on top. A simple, everyday moment, yet so full of life.
For many office-goers, that shine matters. A clean shoe can change how you’re seen. You can be judged for a dusty shoe and admired for a polished one. These boys understand that — and quietly make sure you walk away looking just a little more confident.
Today, many places have automated shoe polish machines, but what these boys can do is different. There’s a human touch, an eye for detail, and a pride in their work that no machine can replace.
They may go unnoticed in the rush of the city, but they are part of what keeps Mumbai moving — small heroes who add to our daily lives in their own simple way. Sometimes, we just forget to give them the credit they truly deserve.
Maybe next time, we can pause for a moment — not just to get our shoes polished, but to notice the shine beyond the shoe. ✨
Blessmesai 