Mumbai: In a heartfelt initiative to spotlight the often-overlooked plight of Indie dogs, the Rotary Club of Bombay launched a powerful two-minute film and a beautifully illustrated coffee table book on June 3.
The short film, produced by Nabeel Abbas, Founder and CEO of Epigram, features acclaimed actor Pooja Bhatt, who not only appears on screen but also lends her voice to the narrative. The script was penned by Anushree Kandalkar, and the project was conceived by advertising veteran and animal welfare advocate Ramesh Narayan.
“Everyone contributed their time and talent as a labour of love,” shared Ramesh Narayan, underscoring the voluntary spirit behind the production. The film aims to create awareness around Indie dogs—India’s native street dogs—urging people to see them not as strays, but as resilient, loving companions deserving of homes.
Complementing the film, a coffee table book titled Missy’s Musings was also unveiled. Designed by Creative Director Dhananjay Khotpal, the book is a vibrant compilation of whimsical and heartfelt social media posts written from the perspective of Missy, Narayan’s adopted Indie dog. These musings, originally shared under the same title online, have struck a chord with readers who delight in the idea of a “dog that writes.”
“This is a small effort to position the Indie dog as a loving, caring, hardy brand,” said Narayan. “Our message is simple—Don’t Shop. Adopt an Indie.”
The event served as both a celebration and a call to action, with attendees expressing enthusiasm for the creative approach to animal advocacy. By blending storytelling, visual design, and celebrity involvement, the initiative hopes to foster greater empathy and adoption of Indie dogs across the country.
