The iconic Regal Cinemas has shut down its curtain after 85 splendid years. Team Jan ki Baat brings the footage of the last show in Regal Cinemas. The hall which was opened in 1935 has created its association with Prithvi Raj Kapoor and his son Raj Kapoor. Prithvi Raj Kapoor used to perform all his shows in Regal and Raj Kapoor used to ensure the premiere of all his shows in Regal Theater. He was really attached to the cinemas and so was Nargis ji.
The theatre screened Anushka Sharma starrer Phillauri at its last day on 31st March, 2017 followed by ‘Mera Naam Joker’ in the evening and Sangam in its night show.
Ahmed Khan, a regular visitor of Regal Cinemas says that it is a part of his memories and he has been coming for shows in Regal Cinemas since 2005. The thought of it shutting down saddens him. He points out that this Cinema has been linked to certain controversies with the MCD due to the recent collapse of two buildings in Cannaught Place. Sources say that it is to be renovated and converted into a multiplex in a year or so.
For Bhoomji, a ticket vendor in Regal Cinemas for the past 10 years says that the previous years have been wonderful. And its a very sad time for the viewers as well as for him. Many workers including him will be losing his job but the time he spent at Regal Cinemas is memorable. Salesman, Bhau has been putting up his stall in-front of Regal for the past 25 years. In a saddened voice he confessed ‘Sab upar wale k haath mein hai..Jo hota hai, acche k liye hota hai.”
Hemant, a worker at Regal Cinemas for the last 30 years expresses his grief over the closure of the cinemas. He has ambivalent feelings about the whole experience since he has seen a number of celebrities and will be losing his job. People had flocked at the last day of Regal Cinemas in large numbers.
A chapter in Delhi’s cinematic history has come to an end. The question is, will the iconic Regal Cinemas be resurrected in Delhi’s Cannaught place?
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