Regal Theatre: An Old, Never-Ending Memory

Nestled in the heart of New Delhi’s Connaught Place, the iconic Regal Theatre stood as a testament to the city’s cinematic and cultural evolution for more than eight decades. Opened in 1932, this landmark building not only showcased films but also carried with it the spirit of a generation, melding the cultural and political threads of a newly forming India.(Regal Cinema)

A Grand Beginning

Regal Theatre was the first to open its doors in Connaught Place, designed by Walter Sykes George, an architect also known for other prestigious structures such as St. Stephen’s College and Sujan Singh Park. The theatre’s architectural splendor is a blend of Georgian elegance and Mughal grandeur, encapsulating both colonial sophistication and India’s rich artistic heritage. Its imposing facade and crescent gallery housed a story that spanned generations.

From its inception, the Regal wasn’t just about cinema. It was a venue that embraced the performing arts, hosting ballets, English plays, and performances from renowned Russian theatre groups. Its stage came alive with drama and grandeur, setting a standard for artistic expression in pre-independence India.

Talkies and Hindi Films

When “talkies” arrived in the early 1930s, cinema took a giant leap, and Regal Theatre was at the forefront of this revolution. It became the first theatre in Connaught Place to screen Hindi films, catering to the rising demand for Indian cinema. This marked the start of its long-standing relationship with Bollywood, a bond that would grow stronger as decades passed.

A Hub for Film Premieres

Regal became the destination for some of the most iconic film premieres. It was the hallowed ground where Hollywood classics like Gone with the Wind (1940) made their grand debut in India, alongside Bollywood gems like Bobby (1973). The theatre hosted premieres that drew crowds from across the city, and its red-carpet events often welcomed luminaries like Raj Kapoor and Nargis, whose larger-than-life portraits still adorned its crescent gallery.

The nostalgia of these star-studded evenings added to the magic Regal created for its patrons. The sight of film stars walking into the theatre, the excitement that buzzed through the air, and the awe of audiences , it was all part of Regal’s legendary appeal.

A Stage for History

Regal was more than just a cinema hall,it was a witness to history. Over the years, it hosted political figures who shaped India’s destiny. Jawaharlal Nehru, Indira Gandhi, and Lord Mountbatten, among others, visited the theatre, elevating its cultural status beyond just a place for entertainment. For many, Regal became a symbol of Delhi’s evolving identity, a place where politics, cinema, and culture converged.

Decline and Farewell

Despite its illustrious history, Regal Theatre could not remain immune to the wave of modern multiplexes that began sweeping through the country in the 1990s. The rise of multiplexes like PVR Anupam marked the beginning of Regal’s decline. By the 2000s, the theatre was screening B-grade Bollywood films, losing its sheen and relevance in a rapidly changing entertainment landscape.

The final curtain fell on March 31, 2017, when Regal screened its last film, Phillauri, starring Anushka Sharma. On that bittersweet day, Regal was decked out in flowers, resembling a marriage venue as patrons, old and new, gathered for a final goodbye. Specially printed pamphlets were handed out as mementos of the theatre’s historic journey, and the grand portraits of Raj Kapoor and Nargis watched over the crowd one last time. It was an emotional end to an era.

Regal’s Legacy

Although Regal Theatre no longer stands as the cinematic hub it once was, its legacy endures. The memories of its grandeur, its contributions to the cultural fabric of New Delhi, and the countless magical evenings it provided to its patrons continue to live on. Regal wasn’t just a cinema hall, it was a cornerstone of the city’s history, a witness to the unfolding stories both on and off the screen.

As time moves on and new theatres rise in its place, the memories of Regal remain, like an old film reel playing in the minds of those who walked through its doors. Regal Theatre is an old, never-ending memory, etched into the heart of Delhi, where nostalgia and history blend like scenes from a timeless movie.

Written by- Khushi Aggarwal/Edited by- Pardeep Kumar