A former State Bank of India ATM booth in Danapur, Bihar, has been converted into a hair salon [1, 2].
The transformation highlights the unconventional repurposing of commercial real estate in urban India. While the interior now serves as a barber shop, the exterior retains the original bank branding, leading to a surge of social media attention and curious visitors [1, 2].
The conversion occurred after the bank stopped operating the ATM [1]. The property owner subsequently rented the space to a local shopkeeper and barber, who chose to maintain the distinctive look of the booth [1].
This visual contradiction has sparked a wave of online memes, with users joking about "kesh withdrawal" — a play on the word for hair in Hindi and the act of withdrawing cash [1]. The salon has become an accidental tourist attraction in the region near Patna [1, 2].
According to a local shopkeeper, the novelty of the location attracts a specific demographic of visitors. "Many youngsters even visit just to click pictures and make videos," the shopkeeper said [2].
The business operates within the small footprint of the original ATM kiosk, utilizing the existing structure to provide grooming services to the local community [1]. The juxtaposition of a financial institution's facade and a beauty service continues to draw crowds and digital engagement [2].
“A former State Bank of India ATM booth in Danapur, Bihar, has been converted into a hair salon.”
This story reflects a broader trend of 'adaptive reuse' in dense Indian commercial hubs, where small-scale entrepreneurs maximize utility from defunct infrastructure. The viral nature of the salon demonstrates how visual irony and digital trends can drive foot traffic to local businesses, turning a lack of architectural renovation into a marketing advantage.
