Uncle Velu, our Bedok Kampong Village Barber

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A little less than two years ago, we shared a story about our go to barber along Bedok Road - Hair, There and Everywhere - a hilarious account of how impossibly difficult I was as a young boy whenever it was time for a haircut. Back and forth I went between our Bedok kampong house and the little shop, never quite cooperating.

Today, we are deeply grateful to have reconnected with the lovely family who once lived in that humble house cum barber shop at 34 Bedok Road, right by the bus stop - the very spot where Eastwood Centre now stands.

M.S. Velu was part of a group of Indian merchants who arrived from Java in the 1930s, seeking a better life in Singapore. Here, he found his life partner, settled into the family home at 34 Bedok Road, and with his skillful hands set up a barber shop that served Bedok kampong, Jalan Greja, and the surrounding neighbourhoods.

For many years he worked alone, occasionally receiving help during festive seasons, but he remained the preferred barber for countless households. It wasn’t just because he could converse in Malay - or even Baba patois - but because of his gentle nature, patient spirit, and quiet dignity. While it was true that he told our mother, with a resigned smile, “ini budak manyak susa” (very difficult to cut this boy’s hair), we’ve since learned – gratefully - that I was far from the only troublesome child. Plenty of other equally ‘nakal’ kampong boys gave him a run for his money.

Even after we moved out of the kampong towards the end of 1974, Uncle Velu continued his craft faithfully until his legs grew too weak and he had to close the shop.

As modern barber shops mushroom across Singapore, many staffed by highly skilled employees, we are reminded of the days “way back when” - when a haircut or shave was done by someone who knew us, remembered our usual styling quirks, and chatted with us while working. Someone we trusted completely the moment we sat in that chair. And best of all, someone who lived among us.

Mr Velu embodied all of this, and more. He was not just our barber - he was a family friend.

May you rest in peace, Uncle Velu. You helped generations of men and boys walk out of Bedok kampong with heads held high, ready to face the world.

Our heartfelt thanks to Ms Jayne Krishna for sharing this beautiful story of her grandfather, and for the treasured photograph that allows all of us to remember those days with warmth.


For our earlier story:

https://ourbedokkamponghousesg.blogspot.com/2024/11/hair-there-and-everywhere-at-old-bedok.html


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