Special Sixties: What is the secret behind Chembur's age-defying grannies?

Grow Younger ladies unite for their weekly session with Mala Mansukhani

Come Mondays and Thursdays, the evenings at Chembur Gymkhana turn into a high-octane activity zone. Matriarchs donned in colourful outfits throw their arms open and stretch their grey elastic bands high up in the sky.

It's not just an attempt to reclaim their youth; it's a saga of fierce women channeling their inner goddesses and blessing the world with a dose of unstoppable feminine might.

Men in the adjacent football field can only steal glances, gaze and wonder if there is a vacancy for them to hop into. Sorry, fellas, no vacancies in this laughter-filled extravaganza!

Enter 'Grow Younger,' the brainchild of Chembur's dynamic granny: Mala Mansukhani. It's not just a gathering; it's a senior women's powerhouse where they come together to boost energy levels, heal with laughter and recharge their spirits.

Founded in 2013 - Mala began the sessions from the confines of her terrace. As the word spread, more ladies from diverse backgrounds came pouring in adding to the essence of the group. At the moment, they form an 80-woman crew, grooving so seamlessly that their infectious vibe practically begs others to jump right into the rhythm.

Some of the members include Neelam Sahni (68), Mrs Bimal Kumar, Kala Natrajan, Regina Rangrass (64), Rashmi Chopra, Kiran Kotak and Prakash Khanna.

Ladies participate in the resistance band activity at Grow Younger's Thursday session

On one fine Thursday, this writer hopped into a rick and decided to join these feisty women in their workout. Upon arrival, she got to chat with the ladies at ‘Grow Younger' who opened their hearts and shared how they have found a purpose and direction through this novel initiative.

Kala Natrajan joined the group a year back and tells Midday how it has been a life-changing decision for her. "When I was 60, I thought I was too old! Now, when I joined this group, I found out that most of the members are above 60 and the bonding is so good that I feel like a kid playing with her mates. Age is just a number and undoubtedly, this group has been absolute therapy."

Ladies at ‘Grow Younger' are not just limited to the workout sessions at the Gymkhana. They paint the town red with diverse ventures like fashion shows, painting classes, day-out picnics, high-teas as well as dance competitions. Natrajan reminisces how she was once compared to a vintage Bollywood actress when she wore a saree and tucked a flower on her left ear.

Rashmi Chopra recollects the day they all dressed up in red and performed a choreographed dance on the song ‘What Jhumka.' "We set the stage on fire in our traditional outfits and electrifying dance." Each of them looked like ‘apsaras' who landed on this planet only to grace the Earthlings. One could check out the shenanigans these ladies are up to at the Instagram handle: @grow.younger

The latest recruit, Rithu Mehra, has clocked in four sessions, and her mind and body are already accustomed to the rejuvenating experience that Mala's sessions are. "Even though I've been hitting the exercise routine regularly, there were a few things I couldn't quite conquer solo. After relentless nagging from my friends, I joined the group, and now there's no escape for me."

Her initiation into resistance band stretching was like stepping into a whole new workout universe. "Sure, I've dabbled in leg stretches with bands before, but these quirky exercises have this magical ability to untie the knots in my body and motivate me to attempt things I'd never dream of doing on my own," recalls Rithu.

Rithu Mehra - The newest joiner at Grow Younger

The sisterhood, the stretches and the ever-growing bond act as a magnet that keeps these women glued to the sacred space allotted to them at the Gymkhana. When the clock hits 3:45 pm, they spontaneously leap out of their comfort zones and march towards their practice area like synchronised clock gears. That is how eager they are to break a sweat together.

With a lifetime fee of Rs. 1100 for ‘Grow Younger' sessions, Mala rightfully calls it ‘Shagun' which is nothing but a gesture of blessing given at the start of an auspicious act. By helping senior women find a support system - she believes she has found her calling. Not only this, she also conducts behavioural lessons and mental coaching; like how to deal with Gen Z as well as senior persons.

Mala Mansukhani, Founder of Grow Younger

"I have seen my mother juggle between raising my siblings and working on her export business. By the time I could register her gradual ageing and what I could do to help - health issues had caught her by the grip. She was diagnosed with cancer and her bones grew brittle." This was the tipping point when Mala knew that her purpose in life was to help women regain their independence, develop self-esteem and ease the trouble that ageing brought with it.

Shanu Kaur was in the U.S. when she came across the group's videos on Facebook. The sight of women in workout gear and gritty faces was enough to hook her and propel her to dig deep. "I called up Neelam ji and asked - what's going on?" - she cracks up while talking. That's when she found out that a group of like-minded people was formed back in India and that she could not wait to be a part of it.

"Her smile always gets me," she remarks referring to Mala whose vibrant smile indeed casts a pull.

Shanu Kaur

Deepti (name anonymised at request) called up Mala one evening after being distressed by an extreme conundrum at home. A battered old lady, her husband had forced her into signing off her property - causing a blow to her dignity an stealing her independence. Depressed and low - she considered suicide as the only option as she was left homeless.

Today, her smile conceals a myriad of problems and painful memories. Yet, she dresses up in lively shades, exhibits enthusiasm and participates in the energising sessions that she has resolved not to miss. She holds a soft spot in Mala's heart and like other ladies, has found a family that celebrates her personhood.

Ladies in an interaction session with Midday (From L-R: Kiran jethwani, Prakash Khanna and Neelam Sahni)