A one-of-a-kind initiative to commemorate the illustrious history of Indian cinema is set to add elegance and charm to the underbelly of Mumbai’s metro line 2B, which runs from Bandra Paschim.
A Rs 200 crore project is being considered to erect Bollywood-themed sculptures, posters, LED lights, digital installations, motifs, and stickers beneath a section of the Metro 2B line in the western suburbs. The Metro 2B line connects D N Nagar in Andheri to BKC and then Mandale.
The films and personalities on display will help to unravel Indian cinema’s 110-year history. It will be installed beneath the Metro line 2B viaduct and stations, in a space that is usually filled with plants or flower beds or encroached by parked or junked vehicles.
Mumbai BJP president and MLA Ashish Shelar came up with the idea. The announcement came after Shelar and Mumbai Metropolitan Region Development Authority (MMRDA) officials conducted a site inspection in Bandra West.
With Band Stand, Mount Mary, Bandra Fort, and the iconic Bandra Railway Station as part of the cultural tapestry, the area serves as a beacon for both tourists and Bollywood fans. Meanwhile, reports state that the work is expected to begin as early as March, this year.
“The Metro 2B line between ESIC Nagar in Juhu, and Bandra, encompasses seven stations and 355 pillars. I mooted this Bollywood theme beautification proposal before MMRDA commissioner Sanjay Mukherjee and held meetings with him. A consultant was appointed and after he prepared the blueprint, the plan is now being presented to the MMRDA commissioner for approval. It will then go to the executive committee for financial allocation,” Shelar said as quoted by the Times of India (ToI).
Shelar stated that several former film stars lived in Juhu, Khar, and Bandra, so the concept of murals and installations would appeal to modern-day fans, particularly selfie-takers.
The initiative aims not only to improve the aesthetic appeal of the area but also to serve as a tourist attraction. MMRDA has enlisted the help of Bollywood enthusiasts to create a comprehensive master plan that captures the milestones, personalities, and studios that have been critical to the industry’s evolution from 1913 to 2023.
Mumbai Metro Line: Details on Bollywood Theme
- The milestones on the way are divided into three eras: 1913-1939, which begins with Dadasaheb Phalke and his landmark, film ‘Raja Harishchandra’, 1940-1967, which includes Dilip Kumar and his generation of artists, and the rest of cinematic history until 2024.
- Along the way, 355 pillars, 44 junctions, and 265 bays (the space between pillars) will be improved.
- The plan is to set aside 46 bays for promotion, where current filmmakers can advertise their latest films. MMRDA will be able to generate revenue as well.
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