“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.