Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This old heritage architecture is the Cotton Exchange Building, Kalbadevi Road, opp. Surti Restaurant, Kalbadevi, South Mumbai.

According to an article by Mumbai Mirror the following summary is stated about the building:-

The link to the article is as follows:-
mumbaimirror.indiatimes.com/mumbai/other/mall-func…

The Cotton Exchange Building at Kalbadevi was constructed in 1938.

At that time, it had cost Rs 16.81 lakh.

This nine-storey building, was not only one of the first art deco buildings of Mumbai, but also the tallest structure in the city.

And yes, it was inaugurated by Shri.Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel.

When the textile industry in India collapsed, and the mills began to shut down, cotton trade deteriorated and the Cotton Exchange building formally shut shop, in 1972.

The building was taken over by Pahlajani Developers in March 2006, with the aim of setting up a jewellery mall.

"We wanted to bring the entire jewellery trade under one roof, just like the Zaveri Bazaar, and hence conceptualised ‘Jewel World’.

A piece of history on the streets of Mumbai.

Do read this interesting and beautifully curated article on the building:-

sudhagee.com/2016/11/17/mumbai-lens-the-cotton-exc…

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2 hours ago | [YT] | 1

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This is the (Part-2) Shafi castle, Nagdevi Street, Lohar Chawl, Kalbadevi, South Mumbai.

The video continues from the (part-1) and gives a better perspective of the tower from the Janjiker street which is a cross street that takes one towards the JJ Flyover end.

The street was less crowded due to the Friday afternoon hours, the old school charm is still rampant here though with old restaurants by the side of the road and heritage stonewalled mansions along the curvy JJ Flyover.

The latter part of the video shows the street behind the tower leading up to Crawford market

The two storeyed humble buildings and the people carrying on with their work tell the tell of the city that may be cramped for space but is fully of spirit and hardworking individuals.

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3 hours ago | [YT] | 1

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This modern residential skyrise is the Shafi castle, Nagdevi Street, Lohar Chawl, Kalbadevi, South Mumbai.(Part-1)

Have a look at the curvature of the top crown and the open balconies of the building.

According to online information it consists of 31 floors offering 1 & 2 BHK apartments

Information about the tower is stated in the link as follows:-

rubberwala.com/shafi-castle.htm

What is really astonishing and concerning at the same time is that the tower is built on a small 370 sq. mt plot.

The space in front of the tower is super cramped which is a major downside.

Notice the curvature of the open balconies and the borders underneath them.

The tower looks aesthetic and elegant in its design, we will cover the rest in (Part-2) video.

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5 hours ago | [YT] | 2

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This is the B.M.C Bhuleshwar Mandi/Market, Bhuleshwar Road, Marine Lines East, Panjarpole, Bhuleshwar, Mumbai.

Have a look at the neo gothic arches at the entrance and the sides with circular extruded motifs and design patterns.

The stonewalls are vintage as well, the narrow lanes and the ever crowded streets are an experience in itself.

The market was undergoing restoration and maintenance work on the inside, it mainly caters to imitation jewellery and fashion accessories for Women.

I could not shoot much inside the market due to the ongoing restoration work.

The design patterns on the right hand side are a replica of the front side.

It is a must visit place for shoppers especially women, the area of Bhuleshwar is famous as the bridal market of the city.

Amazing indeed!

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8 hours ago | [YT] | 2

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This is the Roxy Cinema Theatre, Maharshi Karve Rd, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon, South Mumbai.

The video starts with a before and after photos of the Roxy Cinema Building.

Today the building is replaced by modern glass facade and aluminium composite panels at the entrance.

The building is also called "The Jewel" and it houses many private offices and buisnesses in its premises.

The theatre is now rebranded and named as Roxy Mukta A2 Cinemas, the fact that it is still running is heartwarming to see.

Key Historical Highlights of Roxy Cinema (Mumbai) as stated online is as follows:-

Establishment & Early Years: Started in the 1920s, it initially focused on English films before becoming a premier venue for Hindi cinema.

Renaming & Ownership: Purchased by Kapurchand Mehta and his brothers in 1934, who also owned adjacent properties. It became synonymous with major Bollywood releases.

"Kismet" Record: The 1943 film Kismet ran for over 61 weeks in its first run and was re-released multiple times, setting a monumental record, and was even attended by Subhash Chandra Bose.

Golden Era & Premieres: Known as a preferred theatre for Ashok Kumar and later hosted premieres for hits like Mahal (1949) and Mard (1985).

Renovation (2005): The theatre was renovated to include a more modern, glass facade while keeping its original, distinctive structure. It reduced its seat count for better, modern viewing experiences.

{There is one Roxy theatre in Kolkata as well}

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15 hours ago | [YT] | 3

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This heritage building is the (Part-2) Kanji Mansion, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rd, Charni Road East, Khetwadi, Girgaon, South Mumbai.

We now explore the back end of the building, the window borders and patterns along with the open balconies are beautiful.

The building does need maintenance and restoration work on this end.

The semi circular entrance arch with the name stated on it is present on this end as well.

Now notice the sleek design and curvature of the building as viewed from a distance.

Wonderful old school architecture indeed!

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1 day ago | [YT] | 9

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This is the K.P.B Hinduja College of Commerce, Behind Saifee Hospital, Charni Road East, Opera House, Girgaon.

Thank you for your suggestion @urmilamangla6736 Ji.

Have a look at the top turret and the vertical patterns of the building.

K.P.B. Hinduja College of Commerce, founded in 1974 by Late Shri Parmanand Deepchand Hinduja.

The official website of the college is as follows:-

www.hindujacollege.edu.in/

It is recognised as one of the premium educational institutions of the city.

The street in front of it houses many automobile garages.

Proximity to the Charni road railway station is an added advantage.

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1 day ago | [YT] | 7

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This heritage building is the Kanji Mansion, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel Rd, Charni Road East, Khetwadi, Girgaon, South Mumbai.

Have a look at the curvature of the building to the right and the extruded open balconies as well.

The stonewalls of the building are exposed and give it a proper vintage look, though one can now see many modifications done to the exterior especially the balconies and the windows.

It houses many popular businesses and shops in its premises and enjoys the prime location on the S.V.P road that leads to the Girgaon Chowpatty to the right.

The overall design is replicated throughout the span of the building on this end.

We will cover the rest in the (Part-2) video.

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1 day ago | [YT] | 5

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This old single screen theatre is the Moti Talkies, Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel road & Ram Mandir road junction, Kumbharwada, South Mumbai.

This a bonus video.

Have a look at the cylindrical extrusions and the front gate design, the grill patterns and the horizontal band pattern on the fence is wonderful but the building and the premises look deserted and neglected.

The theatre had to shut operations after Covid Pandemic, today it runs a pay and park service in its premises.

It is truly saddening to see this fate of the theatres, people must have had a great time watching movies here in the olden times.

I hope they revive the building in some capacity to maintain and preserve it.

Do read this interesting article on it:-

www.facebook.com/groups/3880206645361162/posts/659…

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1 day ago | [YT] | 3

Nature, Architecture & Divine (Travel Shorts)

This is the (Part-4) Under-construction Byculla Cable stayed Bridge, Byculla East, South Mumbai {Final Part}.

Sorry for the longer video as footpath here had diversions due to which I had to shoot in parts to cover this final stretch of the bridge.

The structure of the bridge looks quite sturdy and robust here, I do hope the authorities speed up the work and complete the bridge on time as most of the work on this end looks completed.

One can see a glimpse of the stone walls of the Gloria church.

Completion of the bridge will also aid in avoiding the waterlogging which the area is quite prone to during monsoons.

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1 day ago | [YT] | 8