Give Gateway its due

Gateway of India. File pic

"Do you like watching movies, Lady Flora?" Sir PM realised that he had never broached the subject with his old friend and walking companion, as both passed by Regal in Colaba, the iconic Art Deco single-screen cinema. "I'm a huge fan of the silent era. You know I was even invited for select screenings at the prestigious Watson's Hotel," Sir PM tried to impress his friend. "Ah, Pheroze, you see, I am a huge Chaplin fan; I would sneak into these grand cinema halls back in the day…" Lady Flora added. She seemed excited about this film chatter for a change.

"I heard that a new spot that houses multiple cinemas is now the talking point for cinephiles in the city. Cousin Khorshed, who lives in Bandra, was telling me about the good old days of the drive-in cinema in the eastern region of the suburb, near the Mithi River that was a popular haunt. And now, India's richest family has bought the space and refashioned it into a starry experience. Maybe we should go visit, Lady Flora?" Sir PM decided there was no harm in dropping an invite. "Of course. How gracious of you to ask, Pheroze. But let's wait until this dreaded pandemic has truly left us in peace. I am not too thrilled to be in a crowd nor am I keen to visit the suburbs. Not good for my sinuses," she tried to sound as polite as possible about stalling the invite. She decided to announce the big news that she had been holding back, "But have you heard the buzz about our Gateway? It has got the nod from the heritage committee for a revamp. Now, it either means great news or if poorly executed, the plan can go horribly wrong," she explained to her friend who was a tad upset that the cinema topic had been dropped like a hot potato.

"Lady, I heard about it, too," he added, hoping his friend would not call out his ignorance. As usual, he had no clue of this development. "And, do you feel this will help improve and elevate the space?" he asked, hoping to divert any questions his way. "Well, I am told that this will cost the BMC - your former employer - as much as R20 crore. The intent is to offer a clear view of the monument and the Shivaji Maharaj statue to visitors when they use the approach road to reach the site," Lady Flora shared. "I dearly hope it means that the plaza's design - an eyesore - is relooked at from every angle. Who needs to be put off by the sight and smell of public restrooms and garbage strewn everywhere, not to miss the unhygienic food stalls and the endless queues to enter the main site? The architecture and planning of the plaza is an aberration; a complete disrespect to the historicity of this landmark. What sort of welcome does this give to the visitor?" she rued. Sir PM was all ears. After all, this was an important development that mattered to most proud Bombaywallahs. Sir PM had played an integral part in forming the city's municipal commission and observed as the city grew into a buzzing metropolis graced by splendid landmarks and infrastructure on a par with the best in the world. He always remembered those early years of the 20th century fondly, referring to the time as "the glory days".

"I still recall that date, when the King and Queen of England set foot here; I was in the audience you know…" Lady Flora preened like a peacock as she made her revelation. "There was a specially constructed amphitheatre; bands were in full flow, and all of Bombay's rich and powerful were invited to be part of this royal occasion," Lady Flora smiled. Sir PM's eyes widened as he blurted out, "Oh my goodness! I was there, too! What a coincidence, Lady," he shrieked under his facemask. Now they had one more common talking point to relive on their walking trails.

"Honestly, Pheroze, I wish they get their act right since so much money is at stake; I mean…it's the Gateway that we are talking about - Bombay's pride, one of the entry points to India, so much history. And, I really hope we are spared any more preposterous additions that lead to filth, crowds and more of the same issues that currently plagues the plaza," said Lady Flora. By now they had reached the location that was at the heart of their discussion. It was the dead of the night. Barring the odd barking stray and the taxi that whizzed past, the stunning silhouette of the Gateway looked magnificent; it appeared to inspire the dancing waves on that moonlit night. It was picture perfect. Both gazed at this stunning jewel for a while as it watched over the city.

mid-day's Features Editor Fiona Fernandez relishes the city's sights, sounds, smells and stones...wherever the ink and the inclination takes her. She tweets @bombayana

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