Abdul Sattar, a 70-year-old man in Bhiwandi, India, has spent most of his life working on power looms in noisy, poorly ventilated workshops. When he arrived in Bhiwandi at 15, the looms were booming, providing jobs for many villagers. However, around 30% of the looms have closed in recent years due to high yarn prices and increased electricity costs, making them less competitive against Chinese imports. Newer automatic looms are now replacing the old power looms, producing better quality cloth faster with fewer workers needed.

Bhiwandi, located near Mumbai, has attracted small manufacturers and suppliers due to its proximity to the sea and the bustling city. The future of the 300,000 power looms still in operation in Bhiwandi is uncertain. Ishtaq Ahmad Ansari, a former loom owner, was forced to close his business and now works as a contractor in another factory. While some owners are considering taking loans to upgrade their equipment, Sattar, despite the challenges, is committed to continuing in the industry as long as his health allows. However, he does not want his son to follow the same path due to the industry's declining state.