Legendary actor Dev Anand's son Suneil's dream of reopening his father's iconic Pali Hill studio has run into fresh trouble, with residents raising objections to the BMC's clearance for the underground project. Suniel is renovating Anand Recording Studio, which was earlier housed in a bungalow on Zig Zag Road, as an underground commercial establishment on the same plot of land. The BMC had earlier objected to the project, say ing underground commercial establishments were not allowed on Pali Hill, but recently did an about turn, with the planning and proposals department giving its nod. The Pali Hill residents, who only this week learned about the development, have sought a reply from the civic department about how it gave the go ahead to Suniel.

The vocal Pali Hill residents have in the past forced Anil Ambani's Reliance group to reduce the height of its executive residence quarters from 143 metres to 60 metres. Dev Anand had bought the 19,000 sq ft Pali Hill property in the early 1950s and set up the recording studio in 1986 to mix and dub films produced under his Navketan banner. Specialising in voiceovers, dubbing and surround mixes, the studio was among the premier facilities in the city, and was a second home to the legend during his last two decades. However, seven years ago, the studio was shut, and it was the late actor’s dying wish to reopen the facility. “We were unaware that the permission been given to the studio,” said Madhu Popli, secretary, Pali Hill Residents’ Association.

“Every time we enquired about the status of the building we were told it was a residential building and no commercial activity will be allowed. But now since the BMC has given a go-ahead we have raised strong objection to it.” Popli said the residents had no issues in Dev Anand’s time as the actor never used the studio for commercial purpose. “But now if it reopens as a commercial place, there will be complete chaos on Pali Hill,” she said. “It will also lead to parking problems as there is no place for parking in that building. Those who come here will park their cars on the road, causing major problems for residents.”

According to the Development Control Rule, a basement can only be used for storage and parking. The BMC can prosecute an owner or tenant if they use a basement for commercial activity. Despite repeated attempts, Suneil Anand could not be reached for comment. Ramesh Pawar, deputy municipal commissioner, Zone III, said he was unaware of the development and that he will look into it. “I have to check the building’s plan,” said Pawar. “I will also check on what ground the building proposal department had approved the plan, if it did so. I will discuss the issue with senior officials and initiate action if there is any mistake. After going through the papers and permissions, I will personally inspect the place.”