Tucked away above the bustling streets of Bandra, Mumbai now has its very own dedicated Mahjong club that celebrates this timeless game. Founded by four dynamic women: Radhika Mukherji, Kanchan Nitin Idnani, Samipa Jolly Shaw, and Shalini Divesh Bachani, 1 BAM Mahjong is reviving a century-old strategy game into a modern ritual. Far from the glow of mobile screens and the fast-paced life, this club offers mental workouts with genuine human connection in a welcoming space. To learn how this heritage game has now become Mumbai’s latest social obsession, we, at unstumbled, met the four founders, and here’s how it went!
What is 1 BAM Mahjong?
1 BAM Mahjong is Mumbai’s first dedicated Mahjong club and community space. With normal and automatic shuffling tile table designed to bring people together over a traditional strategy game. It is founded by Radhika Mukherji, Kanchan Nitin Idnani, Samipa Jolly Shaw, and Shalini Divesh Bachani in Bandra.
What Is Mahjong?
Before diving right into our conversations, let us help you understand what Mahjong is exactly in the most uncomplicated words.
Mahjong is a traditional tile-based game of luck, strategy, and skill. It originated in China during the 19th century. The game is usually played by four people around a square table. It typically features 144 tiles (suits: bamboo, dots, characters, and honor tiles: dragon, winds). This game is very similar to the card game called rummy. Players draw and discard tiles in turn to be the first one to form the 14-tile winning hand.
Though it originated in China and is deeply rooted in Chinese and East Asian traditions, it has inspired numerous regional variants.
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Excerpts From The Interview Of The Four Founders Of 1 BAM Mahjong, Mumbai
unstumbled: Why Mahjong? In an era that is dominated by screens, why did you bet on a century-old tile game?
“Mahjong has an incredible legacy of strategy and intellect, and in today’s digital, rather hyper-digital world, it fulfils a deep social starvation. You can think of it like a physical book versus a Kindle! It actually pushes you to put your phone away, shut down all your mental tabs, and be present.
This is more like an active workout for your mind, which stimulates neural pathways while bringing in-person connection. Another beautiful thing about this game is that it is completely age- and gender-agnostic; you will see men, parents, grandparents, and women all sitting down on the same plane. It brings people together, just like music!”
unstumbled: How did you curate the aesthetic and overall vibe of this place to appeal to Mumbai’s modern crowd?
“We trusted Radhika completely and left it all on her to decide.
We deliberately avoided the typicals like heavy curtains or red lanterns. Mumbai rarely has spaces with an inside-outside terrace that is drenched in natural sunlight, so we let that breathe.
To be very honest, our aesthetic here is completely rooted in authentic comfort. When we say this, it means that we have literally built the place with plants, furniture, and decor brought from our own houses so that it feels like a second home.
Whether someone walks in a beautiful saree or normal track pants, the space allows them to be themselves. We offer home-baked snacks, shawls for cold AC temperatures, and home-brewed chai. One of the four of us is always here to welcome people or help them. Every single detail is looked at like welcoming our own family.”
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unstumbled: How do you four divide roles and leverage individual strengths to keep the business moving forward seamlessly?
“Radhika: Business Development and Accounts
Samipa: Social Media
Shalini and Kanchan: Operations
But at any given point, if any of us needs any help, we have each other’s back. We have an open-door policy; let’s say we are Chief Everything Officer!”
unstumbled: What unique perspectives or strengths do you think a female-led founding team like 1 BAM brings to the experiential entertainment market?
“Our foundation was built over friendship and shared love for this game, which eliminated any toxic competitiveness. There is a myth that women cannot work together, but we believe that when women work together, there’s mutual empathy, intuitive understanding of life’s demands, and clear role divisions.
Beyond that, the greatest collective asset is high Emotional Quotient, which is the most underrated strength in business. It helps us step into other people’s shoes and eliminate any single-point failure.”
unstumbled: Whether it’s pop-up events in other cities, brand collaborations, or new culinary concepts, what is next on the roadmap for 1 BAM Mahjong?
“There are all of these and a lot more coming up almost every single day at 1 BAM Mahjong! So, make sure you do not miss our updates on Instagram.”
unstumbled: Be honest, when the four of you sit down for a quick game, who is the ultimate tile-shark, and who is secretly using a cheat sheet?
“Samipa is the mother of tile sharks for sure! There is no single game that she has not won. Talking about someone using the cheat sheet would be Kanchan for sure.”
unstumbled: Is 1 BAM a game night with snacks, or dinner party with a minor Mahjong distraction?
“We could have easily served food here, but this game demands a lot of discipline. Plus, personal hygiene also matters, as you cannot touch the tiles with food marks and then pass them on to others.”
unstumbled: From Taiwanese to Japanese, Mahjong has various global formats. Which version do you play here at 1 BAM?
“Mahjong does have various iterations ranging from Taiwanese to American traditional formats, and you can learn them all here at 1 BAM! The one we play here is rooted in the traditional framework but with a Mumbai twist, and we call it the “Willingdon version.”
unstumbled: How supportive were your families when you told them about this idea?
“Our husbands have been our biggest cheerleaders. They gave us constant encouragement, walked in with coffee, and even helped us with business and tech advice. From patiently handling OTPs to patiently adjusting to long-distance or missed travel, their support has been incredible. The best part is all four of them get along so well that we together could turn this venture into a reality.”
unstumbled: Who among the four of you is most likely to text the group chat at 2 AM with a wild new business idea?
“It has to be Radhika! She will keep calling you till you pick it up!”
unstumbled: On your trips together, who is the one who brings the biggest bag?
“Shalini! She bought a huge suitcase when we went to Pawna for a one-night stay! Radhika had to actually go and check her phone to know if she had anywhere mentioned a one-week stay instead of one night!”
unstumbled: For women watching your journey who want to turn a non-traditional hobby or passion into a thriving lifestyle brand, what is the single most important piece of advice you’d offer?
“Firstly, let go of the myth of ‘work-life balance’ and the guilt that comes with it. Learn to give your complete energy to what needs your priority at that moment. Remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup.
Secondly, it is never too late to start! The sheer satisfaction of building something on your own is just unbeatable.
And lastly, don’t let your own comfort or societal pressure hold you back. If your heart says yes, go for it!”
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Details
Address: 9th Floor, KL Regalia, Linking Road (Opposite Khatwari Darbar), Khar/Bandra West, Mumbai, Maharashtra 400052.
For Reservations: Yes, reservations are super mandatory! You can call or WhatsApp on +919920037013
Timings: Monday to Saturday; 11:00 AM to 10:30 PM
Cost: INR 500 per seat for 2 hours and 45 minutes. The prices vary for tournaments, special events, and private parties.
Note 1: For the latest updates, make sure you check their official Instagram account.
Note 2: No money is involved in the game
