End of an era: Regal Cinema had its final curtain call

By Isha Sharma New Delhi [India], Mar. 31 (ANI): Remembering the glorious past on the last day and last show of Delhi's premier theatre, Regal Cinema, its owner nodded in affirmation that it's not the end. Rather, it will take them a year to come back as a multiplex to relive the past glory again. While talking to ANI yesterday here, one of its owner Vishal Chaudhary said, "I am feeling very nostalgic that today is the last show. But, it was inevitable and we could see it coming. People are feeling sad about it, but it's not the end. We are going to open up soon and it will take us a year's time to come back again." Adding, "It's such a historic place and we want Regal to relive its glorious past again. We want to relive that past again." Talking about restoring back the glory of Regal to its hay day, Smita Datta Makhija, consolation architect of Regal Cinema said, "Only thing that we wish is to restore back the glory of this place." While sharing the fond memories of the movie theatre, an entrepreneur Keval Panjrath, who came for to witness the last day last show, said, "I am coming here since the time I got married in early 80s and its 37 years now. Today, I have come to watch the last show in this theater 'Sangam' as I share many beautiful memories of it." Getting nostalgic about the closing of an age old cinema, another guest, Ashok Ahuja, said, "Two days back I read in newspaper that Regal Theater is about to close. Since then, I am trying to buy a ticket for the movie. We (Me and my wife) have a different attachment with this theater, an attachment from long." Regal was among the earliest to lend its screen to arthouse fare. Films of Mrinal Sen, Shyam Benegal and later Goutam Ghose were played to discerning audiences. The arthouse fare usually started in daily four shows but settled for a longer innings in the morning show. The hall had 154 balcony seats, rear star 285, box 40 and 179 front seats. (ANI)