Underground underwear: Tina Bazaar, Lajpat Nagar 2

 Wonderlust: Tina Bazaar, Lajpat Nagar Market, Lajpat Nagar II               Photo: Abhijit Patnaik

Not many know about this wonderland of a corridor, hidden in the heart of Lajpat Nagar market. Tina Bazar is known only as far as excited whispers can travel. 


Four of the 12 crammed shops in this underground market sell the objects of many a desire in Delhi—lingerie, provocative yet inexpensive.


Enter the market, from the security barricades opposite 3C’s cinema. Surpass the shoe shops on either side, and turn left into an alley of more shops, people and clothes. About 250 metres into the hustle-bustle of this busy lane, on your right, is a blink-and-miss signboard indicating Tina Bazar. A cue to the wonders it holds: dusty mannequins in dowdy underwear. Don’t judge this book by its cover. Walk down the little staircase, and lo and behold, you’ll be greeted by colours—uninhibited fuchsias, slinky blues, tarty reds and risqué animal-prints.


It’s paradise, if you’re on a budget and have a date planned. The underwear here leaves little to the imagination. “Tina Bazar has saved so many relationships,” says Rhea, 21, a regular. “The bras may not last too long, but the boyfriends do!” she laughs.


At Rs 80-200 for Bras and Rs 40-100 for panties, one can hardly expect them to last a lifetime: a year, if worn carefully and occasionally. But, a few months are your best bet.


“I don’t wear these on an everyday basis. Maybe once in two weeks, to make me feel attractive,” says Sara, a college student.


The cotton tie-up panties for Rs 50 are a steal. “The panties last longer than the bras. They are comfortable and a good buy,” says Radhika, 22. “I tell my boyfriend I shop at La Senza but I pick up panties from Tina,” she confides.


There are a variety of fabric options—lace, lycra, satin— in every possible colour. The shopkeepers are polite and proper so you can shop without any sort of awkwardness.


This market isn’t just for underwear. There’s something for everyone here. The 12 shops primarily sell cosmetics, household electronics and clothes. You can stock up on lotions and potions—most popular brands are available.


“People usually come to buy clothes, and end up buying other small things like cosmetics and undergarments,” says RK Arora, the owner of Roop Nikhar, shop number 8. His shop is stocked with bath products, deodorants, cosmetics and lingerie. There are also silicon bras, fishnet stockings and some warm vests. “Most of our products are imported from China and Thailand,” he says.


Pradip Kumar’s shop sells menswear, and is quite well known. He is the oldest shopkeeper here. “This market is 25 years old and has remained just the same,” he says.


Satiate your appetite


Once you’re done shopping, head out from the other end of the corridor. On the left is a vendor selling Indian condiments. The spicy churan is a mood lifter. Walk straight to the end of the street till you see the Chennai Central restaurant. Just outside, are the famous Lajpat Nagar momos. Try the chicken momos (Rs 40 for 8) or the vegetarian (Rs 30) ones.

If you prefer chaat, then right next door is Jack & Jill Fast Food. Try the crisp aloo tikki (Rs 40) or the chatpata gol gappas (Rs 20).


In brief:
What: Affordable lingerie
Where: Tina Bazar, Lajpat Nagar market, Lajpat Nagar part 2
When: 11 am to 8pm (Closed on Mondays)