The late singer’s mortal remains arrive at her residence, Casa Grand, in Lower Parel, Mumbai, around 4.45 pm. Pic/Shadab Khan

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) and Mumbai Police are making preparations for the funeral of Asha Bhosle, which is to take place at the Shivaji Park crematorium in Dadar West at 4 pm on Monday.

Crowd-control measures by the authorities will ensure visitors who want to pay homage to the singer can do so. If required, separate access corridors will be made for the public and for VIPs and family members. 

Vinayak Vispute, assistant commissioner of the G North ward, confirmed that the last rites will be held at the Shivaji Park crematorium. Meanwhile, in a statement to mid-day on Sunday evening, a BMC official said, “The civic administration has recent references of the preparations that were required for the last rites of Lata Mangeshkar and Ratan Tata, in terms of on-ground implementation and coordination required to facilitate a large influx of crowd. The BMC is coordinating with the police to ensure law and order preparations, also.”

At Bhosle’s residence in Lower Parel, where her mortal remains were brought on Sunday evening for loved ones to pay their respects, locals gathered in quiet remembrance. Jagdeesh Chaurasiya, a pan stall owner nearby, said, “I listen to her songs day in and day out. The mark she has left is not a small one. The whole of the country will remember her for all the memories she has given us.”

Inputs by Madhulika Ram Kavattur

Mumbai: A social media post by actor Deepika Padukone flagging Mumbai's deteriorating air quality sparked a public discussion and prompted mayor Ritu Tawde to respond.

Posting a screenshot of the city's air quality index (AQI) on her Instagram story on Thursday and tagging BMC, Padukone wrote: "The city (& its children) are choking. How is this okay?"

As the post quickly gained traction, Tawde said the civic body is aware of citizens' concerns over worsening air quality. "It is not just Padukone. We are taking cognizance of concerns raised by all Mumbaikars," she said. She acknowledged that AQI levels in the city have risen, adding that BMC is continuously reviewing the situation.

According to Tawde, the civic body has already issued standard operating procedures to builders and contractors, mandating measures to curb dust and pollution at construction sites. "We have also asked developers to install digital display boards showing air quality readings. If the prescribed norms are not followed, BMC is issuing stop-work notices, not just to private developers but also to govt projects," she said.

On Central Pollution Control Board's app, Sameer, Mumbai's AQI on Friday was at 95—falling within the ‘satisfactory' band—while private air quality monitoring platform aqi.in recorded 150 (moderately polluted).

Experts said the low visibility Mumbai had been facing for the past few days was owing to smog. "Low visibility during the morning hours is likely due to rising moisture levels, which lead to mist formation. If pollutants get trapped within this mist, it can result in such conditions," said a weather official.

Mumbai: The civic body is all set to impose entertainment tax after Sept 2026, once the state urban development department gives its assent to the BMC. The civic body, which intends to impose the tax on theatres, multiplexes, bowling alleys, cable TV providers, public ticket-based shows, discotheques, pubs, pool parlours, exhibitions, races, and circuses, among various forms of entertainment, is looking at mopping a revenue of over Rs 500 crore; in 2016-17, it had collected Rs 376 crore from entertainment tax levied in the city.

The prospect of film tickets becoming costlier in Mumbai looms large after the fresh imposition of entertainment tax, said experts. Nitin Datar, president of the COEAI (Cinema Owners and Exhibitors Association of India), said, "Since the GST levy was implemented, the Centre had allowed individual states to collect entertainment tax. But Maharashtra and some northern states have not implemented it."

The BMC budget document stated that as per the amendment to Maharashtra Entertainment Duty Act, the responsibility for collecting entertainment tax/fees previously levied by state govt, has been entrusted to the local authorities.

It also stated the state revenue and forest department had extended the exemption from entertainment duty from Sept 16, 2017, to Sept 30, 2026, and accordingly a proposal has been submitted to the urban development department. "We will be seeking data from the revenue authorities that are the district collectorate and will follow the model and features of the tax system adopted by them, while they levied the tax. However, that would be subject to the urban development department approving our proposal," said an official.

Datar said, "Many states in the south were levying this tax, but Maharashtra was not doing so. There are many taxes that businessmen pay to the Centre and to the states. Now with the imposition of this tax in Mumbai, it is almost certain that ticket prices will rise. The quantum of increase depends on the percentage. If 10% entertainment tax is levied, in multiplexes the ticket cost will rise from say Rs 100 to Rs 110, but in a single-screen theatre where tickets cost Rs 30-40, maximum Rs 80, even a three or four rupee increase means a lot."

Nitin Tej Ahuja, CEO, Producers Guild of India, said, "I have not reviewed the BMC tax proposal so I am yet to ascertain what it entails and what its implications are. Conceptually, however, we have made many representations to the central as well as various state govts against local bodies charging entertainment tax. The underpinning principle behind the introduction of the GST regime was ‘One Nation One Tax' and one doesn't understand the rationale why the entertainment industry should be singled out for additional levies. The whole idea behind GST was to subsume all these multiple taxes into one tax."

Birendea Nath Tiwari, president of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), said, "The film and television industry has only recently stabilized after years of pandemic losses and the sharp impact of OTT platforms on theatrical footfall. Any re-introduction of entertainment tax at the municipal level must be handled very cautiously. If the levy directly increases ticket prices, the immediate burden will fall on the common audience, and that ultimately reduces footfall in theatres—which again affects workers and daily-wage technicians across the industry."

"FWICE believes the objective of revenue generation for the civic body should not come at the cost of revival of cinema exhibition. We request that either the tax be kept nominal or structured in a way that it is not passed on to consumers. Otherwise exhibitors, already struggling with maintenance, electricity and rental costs, will face additional financial pressure. If ticket prices rise, audiences shift faster to digital platforms, and that harms the entire ecosystem— producers, distributors, theatre owners and thousands of workers."

"Therefore, any policy must balance civic revenue with protection of employment and theatrical business sustainability. FWICE expects ticket prices may increase if the tax is directly applied per ticket, unless the govt caps or absorbs part of the levy. Theatres could face further financial strain, especially single-screen cinemas, unless concessions or differential rates are provided."

The Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) has cracked down for the second time on film units linked to the Hindi commercial project “Dhurandhar The Revenge”, escalating action over repeated violations of filming permissions and safety undertakings in South Mumbai. The latest action follows an earlier offence on February 1, when an FIR was registered over alleged unauthorised drone usage during the film’s shoot.

In the fresh instance, civic authorities have imposed a Rs 1 lakh penalty, recommended forfeiture of a Rs 25,000 security deposit, and initiated blacklisting proceedings against B26 Production House after officials alleged a breach of fire-safety conditions during a late-night sequence in Fort. The action comes amid heightened scrutiny of film shoots in heritage precincts, where safety undertakings are treated as binding conditions.

Officials said the repeat nature of violations – first involving a drone in a high-security zone and now the alleged use of fire effects despite written assurances to the contrary – prompted the civic body to move towards barring the production house from seeking future permissions.

Officials clarified that this marks the second enforcement action connected to the film’s shooting schedule. On February 1, an FIR was registered against Line Production Mumbai after a drone was allegedly flown without mandatory permissions in a sensitive, high-security zone. Police action in that case underscored concerns about compliance lapses despite the project having received conditional approval.

Following the FIR, a separate production entity – B26 Production House – sought fresh permission to continue shooting under revised safety assurances. Authorities now claim that the new production team also violated key conditions, triggering another round of civic intervention.

According to civic officials, the latest incident came to light on February 14 at around 12:30 am after a resident lodged a telephonic complaint expressing concern about possible fire hazards during a night shoot in the Fort area. An Assistant Engineer (Maintenance) reached the location at approximately 1:50 am and coordinated with the night-duty Police Inspector from MRA Marg Police Station to verify compliance, said Jaydeep More, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, A Ward.

Video footage circulated with Mumbai Mirror allegedly showed members of the production crew using fire torches while filming a sequence, contradicting the written undertaking submitted to authorities.

“During the inspection, multiple fire torches were found in use despite the applicants – Komal Pokhariyal and Nasir Khan – declaring that no fire-related effects would be deployed. Police seized five fire torches from the site, and the crew was instructed to immediately discontinue the use of fire equipment,” More stated.

Maintenance officials submitted a detailed report the same day, recommending stringent penal action against the applicants and B26 Production House. The proposal called for forfeiture of the Rs 25,000 security deposit lodged through the online permission platform, imposition of a Rs 1 lakh fine for breach of undertaking, and initiation of blacklisting proceedings that would bar the production house from seeking future filming permissions.

Civic officials noted that the repeated violations – first the alleged unauthorized drone usage and now the purported use of fire effects – weighed heavily in recommending strong measures. Authorities stressed that undertakings relating to fire safety are critical, particularly given the dense population and concentration of heritage structures in South Mumbai.

The Assistant Commissioner of A Ward has approved the maintenance department’s report and forwarded it to the Deputy Municipal Commissioner (Zone I) for final clearance. Civic sources indicated that, once approval is granted – expected early next week – the penalty will be formally imposed, the security deposit forfeited, and the production house, along with the named applicants, may be barred from applying for future permissions.

Before the incident, authorities had granted conditional approval for a limited night shoot after the production team submitted fresh safety assurances. The application outlined a four-to-five-hour sequence with a reduced crew size and explicitly stated that no fire effects, explosives, drones or other hazardous activities would be used. Municipal and police departments issued clearances on the basis of these undertakings, warning that any breach would invite strict action, including blacklisting.

BMC officials emphasized that repeated violations have compelled the civic body to adopt a tougher stance on film shoots conducted in public and heritage precincts. Late-night filming, crowd management, noise control and fire safety remain key concerns, particularly after residents reported disruptions and potential safety risks during the ongoing production schedule.

Authorities added that the latest crackdown signals closer monitoring of film permissions across Mumbai, with enhanced coordination between civic departments and police to ensure strict compliance. Applicants with prior violations are likely to face heightened scrutiny and additional conditions before future approvals are granted.

The BMC has forfeited a security deposit of Rs 50,000 from Line Productions, Mumbai, citing alleged violations during the recent shooting of Dhurandhar 2 in the Fort area.

According to civic officials, the production house had initially applied online through the Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited, seeking permission to shoot on February 7 and 8. However, following inputs from police and traffic authorities on January 29, revised permissions were granted on January 30 for filming on Modi Street and Perin Nariman Street on January 30 and February 1, respectively.

Authorities alleged that the production team breached key conditions outlined in the police no-objection certificate (NOC). The NOC explicitly prohibited the use of fireworks and any flammable materials. Officials claimed that cooking gas cylinders and other flammable materials were used on the road during the shoot in a residential area.

“Despite these restrictions, flammable materials and gas cylinders were used extensively during the shoot. On February 1, when permission was granted only for Perin Nariman Street, the production team shot on Modi Street without authorization,” Assistant Commissioner of Police (ACP) Jaydeep More told Mirror.

More added, “Since the production house violated the key conditions, we forfeited Rs 25,000 for using a different location for the shoot and Rs 25,000 for using cooking gas cylinders at the shooting location. Thus, the Rs 50,000 deposit amount was forfeited. We have warned the production house that any future violations will result in strict action, including possible blacklisting.”

In a related communication to the Head of Business Development at Worli Engineering Complex, civic officials flagged gaps in the online permission process. They pointed out that the Maharashtra Film Stage and Cultural Development Corporation Limited’s portal does not have dedicated provisions for mandatory clearances from the Chief Medical Officer and the Mumbai Fire Brigade.

The BMC has urged the state government to introduce separate online tabs for these departments to ensure stricter scrutiny before granting shooting permissions. Officials also recommended reconsidering blanket permissions for the Fort area among the 18 designated shooting locations within municipal limits. Instead, they suggested limiting shoots to nonresidential and commercial zones to minimize safety risks in densely populated areas, particularly where flammable materials are involved.

The controversy escalated on February 1, when the cast and crew of Dhurandhar 2, including actor Sanjay Dutt, were present in Fort for the third day of their shooting schedule. Since January 30, portions of the heritage precinct had been transformed to resemble an old Pakistani street, with altered signboards and dressed up storefronts.

Dutt, dressed in a white pathani suit and holding what appeared to be a dummy pistol, was seen filming action sequences while a drone captured aerial shots. Officials said no permission had been granted for the use of dummy weapons, explosives, fire sequences, or drone operations in the high-security zone.

Authorities claimed that the depiction of cross-firing scenes and the use of prop firearms violated NOC conditions and raised safety concerns.

A source from the production house confirmed the forfeiture of the deposit and said Mumbai Police had seized the drone used during the shoot. “We were instructed to submit our day plan in writing regarding what we intend to shoot for the sequence, after which the NOC would be issued. We were told that after securing NOC, committing to one plan and shooting something else violates norms and conditions,” the source said.

An insider at Line Productions stated that Executive Producer Rahul Gandhi had requested a drone shot to obtain a top-angle view after the team was unable to secure access to rooftops in the area. “It was a single-take shot on February 1. The issue escalated, and an FIR was registered against our location manager,” the insider said.

The sequence, described as crucial to the film, had been pending amid the team’s busy schedule related to the release of Dhurandhar.

The iconic heritage structure of the 147-year-old Capitol Cinema has been taken over and is set to undergo repairs and renovation, sources aware of the developments have told Mumbai Mirror. The cinema hall’s parent firm, Nadir Company Private Limited, was bought over by real estate major K Raheja last month, the sources confirmed.

However, several long-time tenants of the Capitol building, some of whom have been running family businesses for over nine decades, expressed uncertainty over their future following the change in ownership.

While the real estate firm declined comment, a director of Nadir Company Private Limited, Neville Mistry, confirmed to Mumbai Mirror: “Yes, Nadir Company Private Limited has been sold (to K Raheja) and the Capitol Cinema is also gone...”

Both parties were also tight-lipped about the value of the transaction. The sprawling heritage structure of Capitol Cinema, a familiar landmark nestled between Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus and the BMC headquarters, is spread over 2,507 square yards (22,563 sq feet).

Once a buzzing performance theatre during British rule, Capitol Cinema staged countless plays before the magic of movies took over. Opened in 1879 as a theatre for performing arts (originally Gaiety), converted to cinema in 1928, and later known as Capitol. With films rising in popularity, the historic venue reinvented itself as a single-screen movie hall.

It is still unclear what the heritage structure will be utilised by K Raheja for, but one thing is certain - the management will be required to preserve one-third of Capitol Theatre’s original seating arrangements, keeping a slice of its cinematic soul intact, said a source familiar with the development.

The architect has submitted a letter to the BMC seeking permission to obtain a No-Objection Certificate (NOC) from the Mumbai Heritage Conservation Committee to carry out the renovation.

However, the move has raised concerns among the property’s tenants – around eight, some of whom have reportedly sub-let their premises – who remain uncertain about whether they will be allowed to retain their shops.

A senior civic official told Mumbai Mirror, “After the heritage structure of Capitol Cinema changed ownership, an architect submitted a letter seeking NOC from the Heritage Committee of BMC for carrying out repair and renovation for adaptive reuse of the property. The architect has submitted a list of documents including existing architectural design of the theatre, existing photographs, details of methodology, material specifications required for repairing the iconic structure, proposed layouts/elevation (architectural design), etc. Permissions may take three to four months as we are scrutinizing the documents.”

The official further added that the BMC is also examining whether the iconic landmark has been subjected to any encroachments. Of late, the lease agreement of Capitol Cinema has been renewed for 30 years from May 1, 2005, to April 30, 2035.

Sources in the BMC told Mirror, “Last February, the Assistant Commissioner (Estate) of BMC had issued a show cause notice to carry out repair and renovation works, certain breaches and removal of encroachers from Capitol Theatre.”

After receiving the show-cause notice, the Nadir Company Private Limited shot off four back-to-back letters – one each in May, June, July and August 2025, said the source, adding, that after replying to the show cause notice, the lease agreement was renewed.

In the undertaking, Nadir Company Private Limited undersigned the document saying, “In accordance with the Renewal Order, we hereby undertake to carry out repairs and renovation work in the said Property with necessary precautions by maintaining heritage status of said Property considering its vicinity with Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation Head Office and Chatrapati Shivaji Maharaj Terminus. Further we hereby undertake to rectify the breaches within one-year period.”

Kaustubh Tambe, owner of Aaram Vada Pav said, “During the fag end of last year, we were informed that the property has been sold out. Since then, there has been no communication with us. It is city’s iconic structure, and it will benefit them if they carry us along with them.”

Noor Umar, 62, an employee at Blue Moon Watch Shop, said he has been working at the shop for the past 25 years repairing all kinds of watches. “I love my job. I had decided to leave work last year, but suddenly I lost my son, so I continued working to earn for my family. This is the only work I know,” he said.

Umar added that he has heard about a change in the ownership of the building and a meeting with some shop owners, but he is unaware of the details. “I don’t know what the future of this shop or the building is,” he said.

Shabbir Kothari, who owns a watch and mobile accessories shop, said his establishment is 85 years old. “My grandfather started this business. I joined when I was 20 years old and for the last 45 years, I have been coming here every day,” he said. Kothari explained that the building earlier had two owners, who later passed away, after which it was managed by five to six partners, including a relative of the original owners.

“No deal has been finalized with us yet. We are hoping for a good deal because this shop is close to our heart and we have taken care of it for generations,” he said.

Stationery shop owner, Ibrahim Mintawala, said his shop is around 90 years old. “Since then, the building has never undergone any major renovation or repair work,” he said. Mintawala said he has heard about the proposed renovation plans but has not received any confirmed information. “The owners are not revealing much, but I hope to get clarity soon,” he added.

Mumbai: The BMC's P North ward office has issued a show-cause notice to actor Mithun Chakraborty for alleged unauthorized construction of a ground-plus-mezzanine floor structure at Erangal in Malad.

The notice, dated May 10, a copy of which is with TOI, states that the actor must provide a satisfactory explanation for the construction or face action at his own cost and risk.

When contacted, the actor said, "I have no unauthorized constructions, notice has been served to one and all, we are sending the reply for that."

The BMC also warned of prosecution under Section 475A of the Mumbai Municipal Corporation Act. "It should be noted that if you fail to show sufficient cause as described above, the said building or work will be removed/altered/pulled down/use of premises restored, at your risk and cost, and you may be prosecuted under section 475A of the said Act, which is punishable with imprisonment and fine," states the notice served by the designated officer of P North ward office, Sagar Rane.

When TOI reached out, P North assistant municipal commissioner Kundan Valvi and designated officer Sagar Rane did not comment on the issue.

Further, the notice lists out the structures, which include two ground floor structures having mezzanine floors, and three temporary 10x10 units constructed using a combination of brick masonry walls, wooden planks, glass partitions, and AC sheet roofing, as roughly indicated in the site sketch. "All these constructions were carried out without obtaining permission," states the notice.

A similar notice was issued to the actor in 2011. Malad activist Nadeem Sheikh said BMC recently undertook a demolition drive in the area, but Chakraborty's structure wasn't touched. "Why this differential treatment?" he questioned.

On May 13, 14 illegal structures in the Erangal and Valnai areas of Madh were demolished. BMC said a total of 24 structures were razed in two weeks and "over the past year, 101 unauthorized structures have come up." BMC said all 101 structures will be demolished by the end of May.

Mumbai: Old-time residents and office-goers of Worli still remember the triplet cinema halls named Satyam, Sundaram and Sachinam where they enjoyed several movies in the 70s and 80s. Time took a toll of those theatres and they closed down around nearly 25 years ago.

Now the BMC has proposed to delete the cinema hall reservation of the site at the behest of the present owner and has even received objections from the public. The owner of the theatres says there are other halls like PVR in Phoenix Mall and Inox inside Atria Mall which Worli residents can visit and thus will have minimal impact on the public.

The cinema theatre has been closed since the year 2001, with the building demolished in the year 2010. BMC said that a deletion in reservation had been requested by Grasim Industries Limited "which is a lessee for 50% share of the said plot leased out by BMC." It made a representation on June 28 to "delete the existing amenity of cinema theatre shown in sanctioned Development Plan 2034 on said plot."

The same will happen only by following the due process of law, a BMC official said. The civic body last month invited objections or suggestions regarding this proposed modification to be addressed to the office of the chief engineer (Development Plan). The current approved plans for the plot include two proposed theatres, with full CC issued. However, no occupation certificate has been granted as of yet, said a BMC official.

A part plan showing the proposed modification was also made available for public inspection at the office of the chief engineer (Development Plan) in G/South Ward and the deputy director of town planning at Azad Maidan. The BMC said that it has initiated the deletion process for the designated theatre amenity, covering 4603.13 sq m or 1.1 acre on the specified plot. This change has been sanctioned through an Improvement Committee Resolution dated Sept 23 and Corporation Resolution dated Oct 3 under Section 37(1) of the MRTP Act, 1966.

However, the civic body has received a handful of objections to the plan. Among them, a resident of Worli, Santosh Gupta, has pointed out that cinema halls like PVR and Inox are too far and economically unaffordable for the common Marathi manoos. Nearby theatres like Geeta, Prakash and Lotus too have closed down.

Gupta has urged that the site's reservation status for cinema hall be left unchanged, and Satyam, Sundaram and Sachinam be revived, and priority be accorded to screening Marathi films in this locality. He said parts of Worli comprise Girangaon, the former mill land area, and the locality is dominated by 70% Maharashtrian residents who have few options for entertainment.

"Most people called these theatres Satyam Shivam Sundaram because they were only familiar with the Raj Kapoor movie! They had to be reminded that it was Sachinam not Sundaram. I remember one of the first movies my colleagues and I saw there was 'Sawaal' when we worked at Band Box House nearby. It was after our Saturday half-day. It was a nice theatre complex and if I am correct, one theatre was smaller than the other two," recalled Sunita Ajwani, a retired accountant from Khar.

On February 28, Avtar Saini, the former head of Intel India, passed away after being struck by a speeding cab while he was cycling in Navi Mumbai. The tragic episode has highlighted the need for cyclists’ safety on roads. Saiyami Kher, who is training for the Iron Man Triathlon in New Zealand next year, has written a letter to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), voicing her concerns regarding the safety hazards faced by the community amid the city’s ongoing infrastructure development.

In the letter, the actor highlighted that roads have become extremely narrow due to the construction of metro tracks and flyovers. She says, “Cycling in Mumbai has become increasingly unsafe because almost the whole city is dug up. The recent incidents, including the loss of lives, highlight the urgent need for action. It’s sad that going out for a run or cycling in this city can be life-threatening. I have been running marathons for over a decade, and the air quality in our city is currently so [poor] that it’s better to run indoors. I hope this city becomes more fitness-friendly.”

As a cyclist, the importance of wearing safety gear and taking precautions is not lost on Kher. However, she emphasizes that additional safety measures and infrastructure, such as the creation of dedicated cycling lanes, should be integrated into urban planning. “It’s crucial to prioritize the creation of dedicated cycling lanes and safe corridors in Mumbai to prevent accidents, and promote cycling as a sustainable mode of transport.”

Mumbai: The hearts of heritage watchers fluttered with anxiety Saturday after pictures emerged of the iconic Eros Cinema in Churchgate veiled behind a big green curtain. The iconic single screen cinema which has been a pillar of the city’s Art Deco heritage since 1938 is engulfed by speculation over whether any proposed renovation will deprive it of its unique character.

More horrifying was the prospect of demolition that was discussed on social media, although the fact that Eros is located in a heritage precinct precludes that possibility. The Cambata family that owns Eros is settled abroad and was not immediately available for comment.

Film maker Apurva Asrani tweeted, “Heartbreaking to see Eros Theatre being torn down. This South Bombay Art Deco landmark, built in 1938, was where I bunked college to go to. It’s where I went on my first date & where my first film ‘Satya’ released in ‘98. Sad that Mumbai can’t preserve its heritage buildings.”

A BMC official, who was formerly with A ward, admitted that there was a proposal to revamp Eros Cinema. Earlier reports had said the theatre was being refurbished with new use and part theatre. The plan was to convert the 1,200-seater theatre to 300 seats. The interiors would be altered which would change the character of the theatre. But the external facade would be preserved.

Assistant municipal commissioner of A ward Shivdas Gurav said that in the last two days the ward has cleared debris that was lying behind the theatre after locals objected. “This debris belonged to a garage that was lying in the premises which had not been picked up and locals had complained about it. We only cleared that,” he said.

In 2019, citizen stakeholders who took the lead for south Mumbai’s Victorian Gothic and Art Deco Ensembles being inscribed in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites list in 2018 had raised concern over the condition and future of Esplanade Mansion and Eros Cinema in the precinct.

They had said efforts should be made for the preservation of Eros Cinema and other structures which face threats from extensive internal change.

The fact is that single screen theatres have fallen on hard times with the arrival of multiplexes and online streaming platforms. Revenues are scarce and many iconic theatres have had to shut down. Prime real estate fetches higher revenues once commercialized.

The fear of being outshone was the only prod that could get this stalled stallion to trot again. The Maharashtra government’s long-pending plan to revamp Mumbai’s Film City in Goregaon may finally see the light of day after Uttar Pradesh chief minister Yogi Adityanath made a proactive bid to lure film units from Mumbai to his state.

Cultural affairs minister Sudhir Mungantiwar has announced that within a year, Maharashtra will float a global tender seeking the participation of American and European architects and studios to prepare a very futuristic design to revamp the existing Dadasaheb Phalke Film City. The state plans to undertake a Rs 4,500-crore project to convert Film City into a global tourist attraction by combining it with the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP), he said.

The proposed revamp became a talking point after the recent visit of Yogi Adityanath to Mumbai to attract domestic investors ahead of his Global Investor Summit 2023 in Lucknow from February 10-12.

Adityanath met eminent members of the film fraternity and announced that UP's film policy will soon be amended to offer a 50% subsidy for web series, in line with the subsidy offered to films. It will provide for 25% subsidy for OTT films and another 25% from the state government for setting up studios and labs. Around 67 of 521 acres of UP's aspirational Film City have already been distributed for film-related activities.

Within days, the Maharashtra government announced that Goregaon Film City will be modernized. Mungantiwar promised to construct state-of-the-art studios and tourist attractions similar to Universal Studios of Hollywood. The new Film City and SGNP will combine into a three-day package tour for international tourists to carve the zone into a long-term revenue model along the lines of Miracle Garden in Dubai or the Eiffel Tower in Paris. "Within two-and-a-half to three years the project will break even," he said.

Amit Behl, honorary national secretary of CINTAA, said, "This Film City revamp has been in the offing for the past decade. In fact, in 2015, we had a meeting with Mr Vinod Tawde, who was the minister of culture, and tenders were to be floated at the time. But now it is very nice that Mr Mungantiwar has decided and the plan is finally taking off. Film City has many advantages, it is close to Western Express Highway, and its incredible topography and landscape include various contours, like mountains, lakes, forests, and jungles. Much of the land has already been cleared for studios."

Behl said this revamp will primarily help bring back all those TV production units that have seven-day telecasts and have moved elsewhere to shoot, like far-off Naigaon and Vasai if they are offered concessional rates.

“Even feature film units, and web series that have moved outside Film City – indeed outside Maharashtra – will come back if they are offered proper infrastructure. Most importantly, Maharashtra as a state should start first offering subsidies and support to the Hindi, Marathi, Gujarati, Rajasthani, and Bhojpuri industries that basically function from Mumbai. They may shoot anywhere,” said Behl.

Behl said the Maharashtra government should follow the module of other states like Uttarakhand, Madhya Pradesh, UP, and Jharkhand which are offering subsidies and discounts, and Delhi and Punjab which provide single window clearance.

Behl said, "It must function like a semi-private body. The red tape should be removed from Film City, and provide single window clearance. Film City authorities should involve maximum participation from film actors, producers, directors, and technicians from the entertainment industry and the Media Entertainment Skill Council, in its functioning, to enable Mumbai and Maharashtra to regain their lost glory and revenue. Then regional and foreign film units will come and stay with us. Also if hotel facilities like lodges and two-star hotels, five-star hotels, like Ramoji Rao Film City has, can be provided, then those actors and technicians that have moved out during the pandemic will come back. It will be a value add. But two things, single window clearance for shooting and losing the red tape, are very important," he said.

Talking to Mumbai Mirror, Mungantiwar said once the concept is prepared another tender will be floated but only after consent of the cabinet led by CM Eknath Shinde and deputy CM Devendra Fadnavis. "The CM and Dy CM will decide how to go about the contract. We are considering all three models of construction, EPC (engineering, procurement and construction), PPP (public-private partnership), and BOT (build, operate, and transfer),” he said.

Before awarding contracts, however, the encroachments on site will have to be removed, he admitted. An ambitious Mungantiwar is looking at roping in reputed international film studios such as Universal, Fox, Sony, and Disney in the project.

Birendra Nath Tiwari, president of FWICE (Federation of Western India Cine Employees), said, "We knew for long that a revamp of Film City was the need of the hour. It is in such bad shape, you cannot take a good photo from anywhere. It is not picture-perfect at all. It looks like the setting for a horror movie, no beautiful film can be made here. We had given a few suggestions to the state government earlier. But we welcome Mr Mungantiwar's decision to implement the plan. Film City's management is zero. Politics and corruption is rife, people are appointed to serve vested interests and MDs are transferred on a whim. The state's idea of bringing in foreign architects is good, but we also have brilliant architects and professionals who build grand sets, they should also be involved in the revamp. Other states like UP, MP, Uttarakhand, and Haryana are all either building or planning a Film City, but Mumbai in Maharashtra, which is the capital of the entertainment industry, is lagging."

Tiwari said, "I welcome this revamp on behalf of lakhs of industry workers. I look forward to the new morning when we can visit our Film City and actually feel that we can complete our film here."

In 2018, the state invited global tenders for Film City, but there was no response. However this time, tenders will be more "bidder-friendly" and a competitive response is expected, said officials.

Meanwhile, reacting to Yogi’s meeting with the film industry, Shiv Sena (UBT) MP Sanjay Raut said that the UP CM would be naive to assume that the industry will shift from Mumbai. "Dadasaheb Phalke started the film industry which then spread to the entire country. It belongs to everyone. If he (Yogi) wants to make a Film City in UP, then he should. But no one can take the industry out of Mumbai," Raut said.

Yogi’s visit shook not just the state but indeed Film City authorities from their slumber. Soon after, following a request from Film City, the state's urban development department wrote to BMC commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal, asking for 15 km of roads within the area to be concretized. And the political quagmire deepened.

As there is no clarity on who will pay for road repair, opposition parties alleged that the government is trying to milk the cash-rich BMC. Samajwadi Party MLA Rais Shaikh said the letter itself mentions that all this is being done for shows like 'Big Boss'. "Why should public money be spent for their convenience? Today, the average cost of concretizing per km of road is Rs 15 crore. This means the authorities will spend Rs 225 crore to concretize these roads which is not going to benefit the public,” he said.

"If the BMC starts constructing roads in areas that are not in its jurisdiction, when will it focus on works it is obligated to do? This is nothing but an attempt by the state government to save face as Yogi Adityanath has tried to woo Bollywood and the UP Film City plans have been announced in a big way. The BJP must not politicize Bollywood or any arts,” said former Congress corporator and opposition party leader Ravi Raja.

One of the studios under scanner, in Madh

BMC Commissioner Iqbal Singh Chahal on Tuesday ordered an inquiry into the alleged illegal studios in Madh, Marve, Erangal, Bhati and Malad. The roles of officials from the civic body and the Maharashtra Coastal Zone Management Authority (MCZMA) are also under scanner.

Deputy Municipal Commissioner, Central Purchase Department, Harshad Kale will head the inquiry over the next four weeks, said Chahal. Among the officials under  scanner are P North ward’s assistant municipal commissioner and Assistant Engineer Tushar Dudhara.

“The BMC has received complaints about 49 such studios that came up between 2021 and 2022 in the no-development zone (NDZ) of the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ). There are allegations that thousands of square meters of such studios are built without proper permission, fraudulent documents forged with the help of BMC and MCZMA officials,” Chahal stated in a written order (a copy of which is with mid-day).

The MCZMA falls under the state’s Department of Environment, which was headed by Shiv Sena leader Aaditya Thackeray between 2021 and July 2022.

Recently, BJP leader Kirit Somaiya claimed that studios in Madh and Marve were illegal. Somaiya and other BJP leaders visited some of the studios and subsequently, the BMC issued stop-work notices to a few of them on August 26.

Chahal has asked the probe committee to conduct the enquiry within four weeks. “The enquiry report should include aspects specifying the role played by the BMC officials. The inquiry officer is also directed to see further proposed action to be taken by the BMC and other suggestive measures to prevent such wrongdoings,” his letter reads.

>> Role of P-North ward

>> No. of functional studios

>> No. of permissions granted

>> What types of permissions were granted by MCZMA

>> Whether permissions were granted for temporary film shoots or sets

>> Whether BMC officials, in connivance with studio owners, misused temporary permissions

>> Whether studios have legal permission

>> Whether studios are in CRZ and NDZ

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The Federation of Western India Cine Employees (FWICE) has sought an inquiry to ascertain the reason behind the fire that gutted the sets of filmmaker Luv Ranjan’s next, starring actors Ranbir Kapoor and Shraddha Kapoor, in Mumbai recently. One person lost his life in the mishap that took place at Chitrakoot Ground.

The federation plans to write to Maharashtra chief minister Eknath Shinde and the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) seeking the safety of workers and technicians.

“For the past four-five years, we have written letters to the CM and fire authorities that proper investigations should be conducted at such places,” FWICE general secretary Ashok Dubey told an entertainment portal, adding that such accidents are “happening repeatedly”.

“Now, the federation is issuing notices to the producers’ body, production houses and the CM, stating that such unauthorized structures should not be permitted to function without a fire audit and an NOC,” he added, asserting that if the concerns raised aren’t considered, they will put in a request for an inquiry by the BMC and the state government into multiple studios.

Mumbai: BMC officials confirmed on Sunday that actor Katrina Kaif had tested Covid-19 positive on June 1 while actor Kartik Aaryan tested positive for Coronavirus on June 4.

“There was a party organised under the jurisdiction of K-West Ward on May 25. Many attended that party but it would be wrong to say that those who attended have tested positive. So far, there is no correlation between the actors testing positive for Covid-19 and the party held on May 25. We have not issued any new directives to studios. So far only Katrina Kaif (June 1) and Kartik Aaryan (June 4) have tested positive in the K-West Ward among celebrities,” said Prithviraj Chavan, Assistant Municipal Commissioner, K-West Ward.

While the BMC did not confirm that actor Shah Rukh Khan had also tested positive for Coronavirus, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee wished him a speedy recovery on Twitter. “Just came to know that our brand ambassador Shah Rukh Khan has been detected as Covid positive. Pray for the fastest recovery for the superstar. Get well Shah Rukh! Spring back asap” Banerjee said in a tweet on Sunday evening.

Meanwhile, leader of the opposition Devendra Fadnavis tested positive for Covid-19. In a tweet, Fadnavis said that he was under home isolation and advised those who came in his contact to g et themselves tested for the virus. BMC officials said that they will ask those organising any large gatherings to inform the BMC so that in case there is any Covid-19 outbreak, contact tracing and testing can be done more effectively.

Mumbai: In the wake of Bharat Ratna Lata Mangeshkar’s cremation last Sunday at Shivaji Park, a resident of the locality on Friday filed a petition in public interest before the Bombay High Court, seeking directions to the state to not to construct any memorials at the park or use it as a cremation site in the future.

The PIL filed by Shivaji Park resident Prakash Belwade sought that the state be directed to formulate guidelines to protect the playground and preserve its “legal and historical, heritage-wise importance’’. It further sought “guidelines on public funerals and erection of memorials at alternate place and making necessary arrangements in advance’’.

The PIL stated that unless such reliefs are granted, the letter and spirit of section 37A of the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act would be lost, whereas guidelines framed would go a long way in protecting the ground, its history and preserve it as a place for future generations to hone their development as individuals and part of society. It would also enable the government to plan in advance in case of the unfortunate demise of “any great personality whose funeral would invite thousands.’’

The PIL said that in November 2012, the “public funeral and memorial of Balasaheb Thackeray had been done at Shivaji Park.’’

In 2016, the state issued a resolution declaring that Shivaji Park will be used as a playground, and set out what functions could be held there for, at best, 45 days in a year. But now, said the petitioner, “discussions are going on that memorial of Lata Mangeshkar shall be constructed at Shivaji Park”, hence the petition “to prevent violation of MRTP Act by showing the playground as a cremation ground and a memorial site.

The PIL made the BMC, Urban Development department and the Mumbai Metropolitan Region Heritage Conservation Society, as well as the collector and state, parties.

It cited the history of the park since 1918, stating that it went on to be renowned as the ‘cradle of Indian cricket’.

Mumbai: On Monday, the weekend effect on the state’s Coronavirus graph was apparent as the daily tally dropped 32% to 15,140, the lowest in 28 days. Deaths, too, dropped to 39 from 50. The number of tests in the state were lower than usual —1. 2 lakh on Sunday as against 1.7 lakh on Saturday.

Cases were down in Mumbai too, with the tally dipping below 1,000 (960) for the first time in 36 days of the Omicron wave. A BMC doctor said the cases had declined by 17% in the Sunday-Monday period despite the usual number of tests (45,618). The daily toll remained steady at 11 deaths.

With cases dropping, the state government allowed amusement parks, theme parks, swimming pools and water parks to open at 50% capacity in the 11 districts with high vaccination. Swimming pools have been allowed to reopen for the first time since the pandemic for the public.

Theatres, restaurants have also been allowed to open according to timings decided by the local district authorities with 50% capacity. At the moment, these are allowed to operate till 10 pm.

Attendance in weddings too have been increased to 25% of the capacity of the open ground and banquet hall or 200 guests, whichever is lower. Currently, the state allows a maximum of 50 people to attend weddings and 20 people to attend funerals.

“The idea is to reward high vaccine coverage districts. This will help encourage other districts to increase their pace of vaccination,” said a senior official.

The exercise will be reviewed weekly and as districts meet the target, they will be allowed to ease restrictions too. Apart from Mumbai, the 10 districts include Pune, Bhandara, Sindhudurg, Raigad, Ratnagiri, Satara, Sangli, Gondia, Kolhapur and Chandrapur. For the state’s remaining 25 districts, most restrictions will continue.

The district disaster management authority may permit up to 25% audience in an arena to view competitive sports and other activities, including horse racing. Weekly bazaars in the 11 districts may be allowed with reasonable restrictions.

Mumbai: Faced with the Omicron wave, the Maharashtra government has introduced measured curbs aimed at controlling crowds and pushing for vaccinations, but sparing the economic engine. The restrictions, which will come into force on Monday, include a night curfew from 11pm to 5am where moving out is allowed only for essential purposes. Also, no movement will be allowed in groups of five or more people from 5 am to11 pm.

Gyms, beauty salons, spas, swimming pools and wellness centres will be shut. However, hair-cutting salons are allowed to operate at 50% capacity, though they must close between 10 pm and 7 am.

Entertainment parks, zoos, museums, forts and tourist spots will be closed. Schools and colleges in the state have to remain closed till February 15. BMC chief Iqbal Singh Chahal said the restrictions will apply to Mumbai as they are.

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Mumbai: The state government has allowed malls, markets and restaurants to operate at 50% capacity. Cinemas and drama theatres have also been allowed 50% capacity. The only riders are that those entering have to be fully vaccinated and that all these establishments have to close between 10 pm and 8 am.

Private offices have been advised to keep attendance at 50% and offer flexible and staggered timings to keep crowding down. Government offices will not be allowed visitors without the permission of the head of the office.

“We don’t want to shut down livelihoods but to curtail crowds. We do not want to impose a lockdown and close down everything,” said chief minister Uddhav Thackeray in a statement. “But no restrictions will be effective unless we all adhere to Covid protocols,” he added.

The new notification gets tougher on vaccinations. Although construction and industrial activities as well as cargo transport activities are allowed, these are only for the fully vaccinated. Only fully vaccinated people can attend private offices. Also, besides those working in malls and restaurants, now people engaged in e-commerce and home delivery have to be fully vaccinated as well. Additional restrictions can be enforced separately for districts with low vaccination coverage.

Those in the gym and beauty parlour trade are upset. Anita Mohan Salunke, who runs Plush Hema’s Salon in Khar, said, “It is middle-class ladies like me who make up the largest number of beauticians in the city. The big chains are but a few. I trained and worked at a big salon, took a shop on a rent of Rs 1. 65 lakh and started my business. How will I survive if we face another closure?”

Haami Basan of Planet Muscle gymnasium in Andheri West, said, “Another closure will drive the final nail into the coffin for many gyms. Business is at an all-time low with prolonged shutdowns, monthly rent amounts of Rs 4-5 lakh, salaries and overhead costs.”

Restaurants had been allowed to revert to pre-Coronavirus pandemic timings in November 2021, and the trade is hopeful the timings will be extended once again. “In Mumbai we had been allowed to stay open till 1:30 am. Now it’s back to 10 pm. We support the government in the fight against Covid but we hope timings are extended once again,” said Shivanand Shetty, president of the Indian Hotels and Restaurant Association.

A staff member out of 31 in actor Amitabh Bachchan’s bungalow at Juhu and two staff members in MNS chief Raj Thackeray’s bungalow at Dadar tested positive for Coronavirus on Wednesday.

Assistant municipal commissioner of K West ward Prithviraj Chavan confirmed the report about the staff member testing positive at Bachchan's bungalow. None of the family members from the Bachchan family is in high-risk contact with the staff member who tested positive, BMC said.

Shiv Sena MP Sanjay Raut’s mother, wife, daughter and niece also tested positive for Covid-19 on Wednesday. They have been kept under home isolation.

Mumbai: The BMC is giving “lame excuses” and delaying the demolition of the compound wall of actor Amitabh Bachchan’s Pratiksha bungalow in Juhu for a road-widening project, Maharashtra Lokayukta Justice V M Kanade said on Monday.

Last month, the BMC had submitted that it hasn’t taken over a portion of land from Pratiksha bungalow plot as it does not have a contractor in place for the road-widening project. It has said that it would raze the compound wall and acquire the land in the next financial year when a road contractor is appointed for the purpose.

In his order, Justice Kanade said: “In my view, the reason given by the BMC for not carrying out the demolition doesn’t appear to be correct. Whenever a road-widening project is undertaken, adequate budgetary provision is made by the BMC for implementation. It is obvious that the BMC is delaying the demolition of the boundary wall...by giving lame excuses. It is a matter of common knowledge that after May 30, no demolition work is carried out during monsoon. The work, therefore, would be delayed by at least one more year.”

In 2017, the actor’s family had been asked to surrender a portion of the land from Pratiksha bungalow, off Linking Road in Juhu, along with owners of neighbou-ring plots, to reduce traffic in the lane leading from Pratiksha towards ISKCON temple. The BMC will take the compound portion of the structures and widen Sant Dnyaneshwar Road from 40ft to 60ft.

Congress corporator Tulip Miranda, who had complained to Maharashtra Lokayukta in October 2021 about the civic inaction, said that BMC’s reply was bizarre. “In 2019, the BMC had demolished the boundary wall of a building premises adjoining Bachchan’s bungalow and took over a portion of its land for the road-widening. However, the compound of Pratiksha was left untouched. Waiting for a contractor before land acquisition for road-widening is unheard of,” Miranda said.

“The Lokayukta has not accepted the BMC’s bizarre report and has asked for a response from the roads department at the next hearing. We will sit on a dharna if the BMC fails to take action,” the corporator added.

On December 24, Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray shared new guidelines for Maharashtra given the rising cases of Omicron variant of coronavirus in the state and across the country. A nine-hour night restriction (9 pm to 6 am) has been imposed in the state to ensure no crowding in public places. Gathering of more than five people in public places during the restricted time between 9 pm to 6 am will not be allowed, while essential services will be exempted from this clampdown. As per the guidelines, hotels, spas and theatres can operate at 50% capacity. Cinema halls were allowed to reopen in mid-October in Maharashtra this year at 50% capacity post the second lockdown.

The film industry had incurred heavy losses due to the pandemic, and the success of a tent-pole film like Sooryavanshi brought back a ray of hope for filmmakers and theatres owners. More hopes were pinned on big-ticket releases like Spider-Man: No Way Home, 83, Telugu film Pushpa and upcoming films, like Jersey and RRR. Now, with new restrictions imposed in the state, will theatres be able to screen films beyond 9 pm, is one question on everyone’s mind. While a lot of rumours and speculations are doing the rounds on social media, here’s some official clarity.

BMC Additional Commissioner Suresh Kakani says, “All activities will go on as earlier. The restriction of less than five people in a group are for public places, like Marine Drive. Cinemas and restaurants have restricted entry. These entries can be monitored, so they can operate as usual, even after 9 pm, but at 50% capacity. These are not considered public places, but that does not mean they are exempted from rules. If COVID cases in the state go higher, we may think of implementing stringent rules on these sectors as well.”

Kamal Gianchandani, President, Multiplex Association of India (MAI), says, “At this point, cinemas are operational as usual at 50% capacity. They will continue to operate as per the usual working hours. We are in touch with the authorities. We will strictly abide by the rules set by the government, not only on paper, but also in spirit.”

He adds, “Cinemas across the country have made huge investments in sprucing up preventive measures and safety norms. Sooryavanshi, Spider-Man: No Way Home, Pushpa and 83 are doing good business. People are returning to cinemas. Everyone wondered if the pandemic phase would alter the movie-going culture, but look at the response we got! We had 4 am and 6 am shows for Spider-Man in the opening week to meet the massive audience demand. This week onwards, the shows will start at 7.30 am. Now, there is 83. Filmmakers are holding their films for theatrical releases.”

Film exhibitor and distributor Akshaye Rathi, who owns a chain of single-screen theatres in Maharashtra and other states, says, “While the state government has released fresh guidelines on December 24, a lot depends on what the local bodies, municipal corporations of every city and town roll-out for cinemas with regards to functioning at 50% capacity or beyond 9 pm. In the coming weeks, if shows aren’t permitted beyond 9 pm, it will obviously hamper the business, especially at a time like this when there are big-ticket releases lined up, including Jersey, RRR, Radhe Shyam, Valimai and Prithviraj.”