People came from as far as London and Kochi to watch the last shows - Raj Kapoor's Sangam and Mera Naam Joker - old-world and colourful posters of which were plastered all over Regal's white facade on the final day. Regal, the 84-year-old movie hall in the heart of Delhi, will close down on March 31, only to return as a multiplex.
People made videos, took selfies and even cried as Regal's cash counters declared the shows houseful. The staff - managers, projection boys and canteen staff - beamed smiles at all, knowing the crowd will be gone the next day.
For London-based businessman Sammy Satsangi and his wife Neeti, it was reliving their courtship days once more. Sammy said, "We were visiting India and learnt that our favourite Regal is closing. We used to come here as lovers, and watched so many films such as Bobby and Aao Milo Sajna, and are now here to say our last goodbyes as grandparents."
One of the owners of the hall, Vishal Choudhary, said that he has applied for the permission to open a multiplex in the heritage building and has got 60% of the proposal cleared. “We have got the no-objection certificate from fire department and Archaeological Survey of India (ASI) as it is a heritage site, our designs have been approved by Delhi Urban Arts Commission,” he told Hindustan Times.
Choudhary also said that they didn’t want to take any chances after the collapse of some buildings in the Connaught Place recently. The New Delhi Municipal Council has asked the owners of buildings in the area to prove structural capability. This is another reason why he decided to close the theatre and rebuild it. A notice signed by owner VK Mahajan, posted outside the cinema states: “The structural engineer has stated that our building is very old, its inspection will require a long period and we shall not be in a position to carry out business activity...”
Regal may or may not be reborn as a multiplex — but it will certainly be The End for the city’s iconic theatre as thousands of Delhiites knew it.
Source: HindustanTimes & IndiaToday