Archive · 13 Dec 2025
Pune Salon's Hidden Stories with Savarkar and Legends
There's a salon in Pune called Highclass Hairdressers that was started by Mahadev Mate in 1921.
His son, Shrikant, now runs it.
A long time ago, famous people like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar used to visit the salon.
Savarkar would tell exciting stories and give Shrikant sweets.
The salon was like a café where people shared ideas and had good conversations.
Shrikant remembers those times fondly and thinks the salon's real value is in the stories and lessons from its visitors, not just money.
He misses the simpler, more affordable times of the past.
Highclass Hairdressers salon in Pune, founded in 1921 by Mahadev Mate, was a gathering spot for notable figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar.
Savarkar visited the salon in the 1940s, sharing stories and giving Shrikant sweets, leaving a lasting impression.
The salon's reputation grew alongside its celebrity clientele, including Bhimsen Joshi and Gopal Ganesh Agarkar.
Shrikant treasures a handwritten letter from Savarkar commending his father's professionalism and dignity.
Shrikant reflects on the salon's legacy, valuing the stories and lessons over financial success, and nostalgically recalls Pune's simpler past.
- Who
- Shrikant Mate, son of Mahadev Mate, owner of Highclass Hairdressers salon in Pune
- What
- Recounts stories of notable visitors, including Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, and the salon's history
- When
- Savarkar visited the salon in the 1940s
- Where
- Highclass Hairdressers salon in Pune’s Sadashiv Peth
- Why
- To share the salon's legacy and the stories of its famous patrons, emphasizing simplicity and connection
- Salon Name
- Highclass Hairdressers
- Founder
- Mahadev Mate
- Current Owner
- Shrikant Mate
- Location
- Pune’s Sadashiv Peth
- Notable Visitors
- Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Bhimsen Joshi, Gopal Ganesh Agarkar, Gajanan Digambar Madgulkar, Narayan Ganesh Gore
- Year Founded
- 1921
- Savarkar's Gesture
- Handed sweets (khaau) to Shrikant
- Savarkar's Letter
- Commended Mahadev Mate's professionalism and dignity