Juhu’s celebrated Chandan Cinema, a treasured piece of Mumbai’s cinematic legacy, is being demolished to pave the way for a new retail development, signalling the close of a historic chapter. Opened in 1974 with the premiere of Raj Kapoor’s Bobby, the single-screen theatre, established by Baijanath Joshi and named after his wife Chandrakanta, was a hub for moviegoers.
For nearly five decades, Chandan Cinema stood as a cornerstone of Mumbai’s entertainment culture, serving generations of moviegoers when the city had just one multiplex. The theatre, which frequently hosted Bollywood celebrities from the neighbourhood, closed its doors in 2017 due to deteriorating conditions.
The demolition started two weeks ago following a lengthy legal process, which included height restrictions due to the site’s proximity to a military radio transmission station. Although the Wadhwa Group, holding development rights to the 3,639-square-meter property, has not revealed detailed plans, sources confirm that a retail space is planned, subject to final approval from municipal authorities. As the mall’s future takes shape, the cherished memories of Chandan’s glory days will remain an integral part of Mumbai’s cultural heritage.
