The majority of Mumbaikars don’t need an introduction to Fountain Sizzlers. When they contacted us for their new restaurant, we knew the artwork had to be a celebration of their journey, which has been serving up sizzling dishes of comfort for more than 25 years.
Mario Miranda’s illustrations are renowned for bringing their original environment to life, so it seemed only fitting to continue that tradition. From the Fort neighbourhood, where the famous Fountain Lady can be seen, to their Lower Parel location, the primary panels tell their tale. Along the journey, the artwork incorporates elements that contribute to Mumbai’s unique identity.
In an entertaining, animated approach that encourages you to pause, scan, and interpret, we experimented with the city’s contrasts, from its vibrant street life to its historic charm. You could notice the Za Works twist, which is a light-hearted homage to the proprietors and frequent customers who are all sketched in that distinctive Mario Miranda style.
SPACE
For Fountain Sizzlers’ new restaurant, we had the opportunity to create artwork that feels just as iconic as the space itself. A well-known and loved name for the majority of Mumbaikars, we had to make sure that we were able to do justice to the brand’s legacy with our art.
VISION
The brief was to not only celebrate the 25+year legacy of the restaurant but also capture the soul of the city that is its home. Taking inspiration from their original space adorned with Mario Miranda’s work, we wanted to carry forward that playful, illustrative style while adding our own Za Works twist.
DESIGN
The main wall panels follow the journey from the Fort neighbourhood, home to the iconic Fountain Lady, to the Lower Parel outpost, seamlessly including monumental city elements along the way. In a fun, animated style, we illustrated the city’s contrasts while adding hidden Za Works details. A standout is the wall that carries a playful depiction of the Fountain Lady as it shows her through the four senses used while eating. Another highlight is the TV wall, where the screen is framed with vintage-inspired frames that echo Mumbai’s antique charm. Together, the artwork celebrates legacy, culture, and the timeless quirks of this city.
One of our favourite elements? The plates; an artistic take on the Fountain Lady, shown in four senses: taste, smell, touch, and vision. The wall is more than a piece of decor. Each illustration tells a story, inspired by the fact that eating involves all four senses: your eyes are captivated first, followed by aroma, which piques your interest; flavor dominates the experience at the table; and texture remains, creating a memorable impression. The process of eating thus becomes an immersive narrative.
Another standout is the TV wall, where the screen is framed by a collection of vintage-style frames, a nod to Mumbai’s antique essence and adding to the restaurant’s old-style charm. Adorned in elegance, this wall stands as a quiet ode to the city’s timeless charm; each glance revealing a fragment of its old soul!
This project with Essajees was a fun ride as we had a chance to produce something as full of character as the city of Mumbai and explore the iconic Mario Miranda style!
