Besides being a financial capital, Mumbai is the birthplace of “Bollywood” — or Hindi cinema. Earlier, there weren’t multiplexes and these Hindi films were shown in single-screen theatres. Now, there aren’t many left in Mumbai, however, a few continue to show these films. One of them is Eros Cinema — Mumbai’s iconic theatre. Recently, there was a rumour about demolishing this theatre. However, that’s not the case as it is simply being renovated.
Eros Cinema Being Renovated & Not Demolished!
Due to weak ticket sales, Eros, a theatre company housed in a Churchgate Grade II-A heritage building, closed its doors in 2017. The owners’ request to convert the foyer and stall area of the theatre into a department store and the balcony into a 300-seat theatre was approved by the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee (MHCC).
According to a Hindustan Times report, the redevelopment plans were sanctioned in 2018. Officials from Metro Realty had earlier informed the MHCC that it would be difficult to restore the building to its former splendour because of the significant deterioration it had undergone over the previous 80 years.
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A change of use and modifications to the area of the building that contains the movie hall is sought in the project that is currently before the MHCC. It guarantees that the art-deco components in the lobby and atrium of the theatre will be preserved and restored.
Renovation Details Of This Theatre
A senior official of Metro Reality reported that they have started the conservation plan already. It was necessary to seal several leaks and get rid of the vegetation that was protruding from the walls. After that, they would start the interior work, which would take at least a year.
Among the projects suggested are internal structural repairs to the beams and RCC slabs as well as repairs and renovations to the theatre roof. Repairs to the building’s chhajjas and parapet walls, which are in poor condition, have also been suggested, even though the improvements are restricted to the cinema area and do not include any outside adjustments.
In 1935, Eros Cinema’s foundation was set. Construction on this structure, which houses shops and other enterprises in addition to the cinema, took roughly two and a half years.
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The theatre opened its doors in 1938.
Cover Image Courtesy: Wikiedmia