Aug 10, 2003 12:34 PM
9621 Views
(Updated Aug 10, 2003 12:53 PM)
This was my favourite theater when I lived in South Mumbai. Okay this is not be just about Regal. Please dont say ''Wrong place so have rated NR etc.''. Just read and push off. Or push off now. This is review is about NOSTALGIA, HISTORY.
In the 1950’s when I was a kid and even early 60’s, there were 4 great theatres in Mumbai all owned by foreigners/Hollywood Studios.
Metro: Owners MGM
Eros: Warner Brothers
Regal: Columbia Pictures? Possibly
Paramount: Paramount Pictures
The big Hollywood studios were also owners of theaters.
These theatres were immaculately maintained, the airconditioning was top class. Wall to wall carpeting (maroon and flaming red color, like blood ), superbly trained and smartly dressed ushers and staff. The screen had red velvet curtains that opened and closed with great background music!
All that is gone now.
The Balcony and Dress Circle patrons would always come dressed in Lounge Suits and hats! Yes hats! Like in London. An usher would take the hats and the coats, place it neatly on hangers, give the customers a token. What style man! At the age of 7/8, even I had a Suit, tie and a smart hat!
There were beautiful water fountains in the lobby of most of these theatres.
In the parking lot we would see big big cars- Buicks, Caddilacs, De-Soto, Chevvy Impala, long sleek black cars. The chauffers of these cars wore shirts and tie and caps!
Many theater goers used to arrive in VICTORIA Horse drawn carraiges. And the roundabout at Regal used to be a terminus for TRAMS. Just 25 paise from here to Sion.
Bombay of those days was better than London! In fact South Mumbai, with VT Stn etc was much modelled on London.
After independence we Desis screwed it all up in a short span of 20 yrs.
Sadly, in 1970, all foreigners were told to sell out to Indians or retain just 49 % shares in a biz venture. These Movie Studios preferred to sell off and move on, like IBM and Coke did.
The decline started within a few years. Standards fell to rock bottom during the Video/VCR boom. Many theatres, famous landmarks in cities closed down. Those that survived, dropped in maintainence standards.
I now see some revival with the Multiplexes boom. These places are chic n smart. Love them.
Of late folks have begun to patronise the big theatres. So now they are better. But no match for the way they looked way back in history of time.
Hope this lasts!
Spikegaurd has done a nice take on Regal. Please do read.
Mariner
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