For those born in the 1950s, ’60s or even the ’70s; fond memories of how Bandra was – is imprinted in their minds, never to be erased. These last 7 decades have seen Bandra evolve much more than in the recent past. Just see how Bandra’s very own ‘centre-stage’, Hill Road, has changed.
Hill Road of the mid-1900s was nothing like it is today. She was famous for her Shops – that attracted people like a moth towards the light. Now, senior citizens call it ‘Hell Road’, in disgust – as all the unique charm it had, has vanished with time.
Some of the well-known shops that disappeared from Hill Road are Hiro Music Shop, Benhur Video Cassettes, Gazebo Restaurant, Sound Source, Wahedna Stores, Jai Jawan Stall. (Relocated), Nasir’s Chinese Cart, Hill Studio, Abro Chicken Shop, Shalimar Cold Storage, Pinky Pat, Illusions Disco, Hilton Departmental Stores, Choice Centre, Cashbah Restaurant, Blue Circle Snacks, Rock Around The Clock, Karachi Sweets. (Relocated), Bashiruddin Kite Shop, Bandra International Hotel and many more.
CHEAP JACK
Back then, Hill Road was the be-all and end-all – because it had everything one needed. The shops of yesteryear were fascinating. There was this tiny cubby hole, called ‘Borees’. Borees was actually ‘Bori’s’ because it was owned by a Bori Muslim family. One person stood on the road and did business over a glass counter, which was the top of a glass case – with the most tantalizing array of multi-coloured lozenges, chocolates, marshmallows and toffees, that made most customers drool. A venerable bearded Bori Muslim man, complete with white skull cap presided over the shop – seated cross-legged on a mat behind the glass case. This shop had all the stationery a school going kid needed and stocked the latest innovations of that era. You could have been the proud owner of the first scented eraser in your class, bought from Bori’s of course.
Today, this small cubby hole has metamorphosed into 3 large shops – owned by the 3 sons of that enterprising man, now manned by his grandsons. The worst casualty of this change has been those tantalizing sweets. Today, none of the shops stock them. What a pity!
HAPPY BOOK STALL
The other haven was Happy Book Stall. You could savour the smell of new books while reading them. Back then, paperbacks were priced at Rs 2.50paise – and the hardbacks of the same titles were a princely sum of Rs. 5/-.
Mercifully, ‘Happy Book Stall’ is unchanged, except for the fact that it has been air-conditioned and the son has replaced the old owner. Others in Bandra have similar fond memories too, because many a time, celebrities were seen sitting there on a stool, pouring over an interesting book. Today, you can still see people keenly browsing books – and buying some for their collection. It’s nice to know, that the present generation is savouring the same joys.
MAC RONELLS
Who can forget the confectionery of all confectioneries: Mac Ronells at Hill Road. All of Bombay, including Bollywood’s film stars, came here to order birthday cakes because Mac Ronells could fashion cakes in the shape of any object the heart desired: from a pipe to a piano. Mac Ronells also made the most delicious chicken patties, sandwiches & luscious lemon tarts. And pure marzipan Easter Eggs during Easter, with tempting pure pastel, coloured marzipan fruits during Christmas.
Sadly Mac Ronells, Hill Road closed down due to reasons unknown. But they don’t make those fancy birthday cakes to order any more. Those masterpieces have now become part of Bandra’s culinary history.
NEW TALKIES
And last but not the least was our very own local cinema theatre called ‘New Talkies’, a euphemistic name – because there was nothing “new” about it. It showed only English films and was, therefore, a cut above its seedy rival, ‘Bandra Talkies’ at Linking Road. New Talkies had noisy whirling fans overhead, which frequently drowned out the soundtrack of the film, torn seats – and friendly mice playing ‘catching cook’ over one’s feet. But we were so riveted by what was showing on the screen, that these were of no consequence.
During the interval a packet of chips costing 25 paise with a coke costing 50 paise or a mango duet costing Rs 2 was de rigueur – or the total film experience would not be complete. It was here that I came of age watching my first adult movie: ‘Wait until Dark’. I was 14, so getting past the usher was as scary as the film. New Talkies is now ‘Le Reve’ perched on top of Marks and Spencers.
Hill Road used to be spotlessly clean, with parking available on both sides and no encroachment by hawkers. Looking at the nightmare that Hill Road is today, it is hard to believe that it was once a peaceful, picturesque, and pleasurable experience for pedestrians and motorists alike.
The old order giveth way to the new.
