DHANRAJ MAHAL
-STARBUCKS-
Custom mural illustration created for Starbucks at Dhanraj Mahal, one of Mumbai's most iconic Art Deco buildings. Inspired by the architectural heritage of Colaba, the mural combines Art Deco geometry, local landmarks, coastal narratives, and contemporary illustration to create a site-specific artwork that connects visitors with the history and identity of the neighborhood.
It's always exciting to work with Starbucks - especially for the store located at Dhanraj Mahal, a historic Art Deco building in Mumbai.
Built in the 1930s, Dhanraj Mahal was once the largest and most expensive residential building in the city. It remains a striking example of Art Deco architecture, a style that originated in Paris in the early 20th century.
Storytelling
Given the building's distinctive Art Deco design, the Starbucks team wanted to reflect that same aesthetic throughout the store's interiors. I extended this design language into the mural, ensuring it felt cohesive and like a natural extension of Dhanraj Mahal itself.
Concepts
These concept sketches draw from the structured geometry and ornamental rhythm of Art Deco, blending it with coastal and cultural elements of Colaba. The style helped echo the area's architectural charm while adding a contemporary, illustrative twist.
Mural Execution
Bringing the artwork to life on the nearly 4 x 11 meter wall was challenging. I divided the design into sections to create a seamless composition across the surface. Traditional projection and freehand drawing weren’t viable due to the angled walls and the mural’s precise geometric shapes and clean lines.
A practical solution - print the artwork to actual size and apply charcoal powder to the back. I had a lined black-and-white version, which made it easier. It took nearly a day to cover the wall with the printouts, but the precise fit made it worth it.
We traced the artwork onto the wall using pens, like large-scale carbon paper, creating detailed outlines to guide the painting.
Masking tape helped us achieve clean, sharp edges, and every detail was painted with care to reflect the Art Deco style.
