Westend Wali Kachori
Did YOU KNOW?
In the mid-1950s, the popular mythological “Hanuman Janam” played to houseful shows at the then-upmarket Westend cinema in old Delhi’s Sadar Bazar area. All but one of the seats had devout men, women and children glued to the story of the Monkey God. One seat, though, was ‘reserved’ for a monkey! He would come unannounced and quietly occupy a seat in balcony, watch the film till the end and leave! He would disturb no patron. No chattering, no jumping around. Was it a matter of faith, or was the monkey just happy to see a mirror reflection on Westend’s big screen?
Jeeyes, Cinema Hall is Mashoor for this Kahani, because Raj Kapoor Sahab loved it, and for the Rathore Kachori Shop tucked in one corner of this Now-Closed Cinema Hall.
Cinema hall to Bandh ho gaya par Rathore Ki Hing Waali Kachori abhi bhi milti hai, utne hi pyaar se khayi jaati hai.
Kuch aur Trivia about WESTEND CINEMA HALL
Westend began as a theatre in 1935, often hosting Parsi dramas. In 1938, Westend became a cinema hall playing movies like Aurat and Sikandar
Raj’s fascination with Westend was unique and personal. He would come to the 654-seater hall to watch the premiere or the first show of his movies with the cine-goers.
Though films in the 1950s used to open simultaneously at Regal, Moti, and Westend, Raj preferred Westend for its regal architecture. Westend, until its 1958 renovation, had two wings in a balcony, with the audience seated in two sections, leaving the space between the wings bare. It was a throwback to the hall’s theatre days, but caught Raj’s fancy. Every time his car stopped at the hall, there would be a sea of people trying to touch him. Police would be called to control the crowd. Over time, a special door was installed to usher in the celebrities. The entry fare then ranged from a mere 63 paise to Rs. 2 for a luxurious seat in the balcony!
Some Excerpts from an Article in “The Hindu”
Rathore Kachori, Western Cinema, Sadar Bazar.
Weekdays Open from 9 am to 6 Pm
Sunday open from 9 am to 2 Pm
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