There are many memorable pairings in Indian cinema—Raj Kapoor and Nargis, Amitabh Bachchan and Rekha, Shah Rukh Khan and Kajol, and Mumbai and Bollywood. The city is home to the Hindi film industry: iconic film scenes have been filmed on its seaside promenades, and superstars have made their homes in its upscale neighbourhoods. It isn’t unusual to see shootings take place across the city even today, or to spot a star on a morning run. Our list of experiences will help travellers—whether they’re hardcore Bollywood fans or just folks looking to explore a fun side of the city—navigate Mumbai through the movies.
Sing Your Heart Out at Bollywood Karaoke Nights
No matter how much you roll your eyes at Himesh Reshammiya’s nasal voice,or cringe every time a Honey Singh tune plays on the radio, there’s no denying that Hindi film songs have a special place in the hearts of many. Whether it’s “Choli Ke Peeche Kya Hai”, “Pehla Nasha” or the latest Badshah rap, singing along to a Bollywood song has immense cathartic appeal. Bars and clubs across the city host Bollywood karaoke nights. Try The Local in Fort on Tuesdays. The bar has lively sing-along sessions, good bar snacks (get the peri peri fries) and enthusiastic singers that make for a great night out. Make sure to get there early so you don’t have to wait too long to belt out a song.
The Local, 111 A, Currimjee Building, Opposite Mumbai University, Mahatma Gandhi Road; 9930244326. Entry requires a password, so call ahead before visiting. Bollywood karaoke on Tuesday, 6.30 p.m.-1a.m.
Dig in to Chicken Sanju Baba
Noor Mohammadi is an unassuming restaurant that sits on a busy street in Mumbai’s Bhendi Bazaar neighbourhood. The eatery is known for its nalli nihari (a slow-cooked curry made with marrow), white biryani and soft shammi kebabs. But the star of its menu is the strangely named Chicken Sanju Baba, in honour of Bollywood actor Sanjay Dutt, who created the dish. Dutt frequented Noor Mohammadi for many years and was particularly impressed by his meal during a visit in 2010, so much so that he shared his own recipe for a gravy-based chicken dish with the owners of the restaurant. And Chicken Sanju Baba was born. The recipe includes onions, dry fruits, coconut, curd and Kashmiri chilies. The actor’s fans often visit the restaurant; some vegetarians forego their dietary restrictions for a taste of Chicken Sanju Baba.
Noor Mohammadi Hotel, 179, Wazir Building, Abdul Hakim Chowk, Bhendi Bazar; 022-23456008; 6 a.m.-1.30 a.m.
Catch a Movie at G7
In a way, G7 was a precursor to Mumbai’s multiplexes. The complex of seven screens—Gaiety, Galaxy, Gemini, Gossip, Gem, Grace and Glamour—is more popularly known as Gaiety-Galaxy. The theatres are considered to be the ultimate test of a Bollywood movie; actors and directors have been known to slip into a show on opening day just to gauge the audience’s reaction and guess whether their production is a hit or miss. Watching a movie here is an experience. In many theaters audience members hoot, whistle or dance in the aisles; buy balcony or dress circle seats if you prefer to observe the crowd rather than be in the thick of it. If possible, get tickets for the first show on the opening day of a film starring Bollywood superstars like Shah Rukh Khan or Salman Khan, who draw the biggest crowds.
G7 Multiplex, S.V. Road, Bandra; 022-26426963
Buy Old-School Bollywood Posters in Chor Bazaar
Vintage Bollywood posters make great souvenirs and presents, and the best place to find them is Mumbai’s famous Chor Bazaar on Mutton Street. Navigate crowded pavements and browse through towering stacks of posters of various sizes, well-preserved lobby cards, and ticket stubs before making a selection. Hand-painted originals share space with scanned copies of popular films like Mother India, Don and Sholay. The shopkeepers are well-informed and quite helpful, so let them know if you have a specific film in mind. Don’t forget to bargain.
Chor Bazaar, Mutton Street, Kumbharwada; 11 a.m-7 p.m.; Closed on Fridays.
Watch a Film in a Beautiful Art Deco Theatre
Ditch the cookie-cutter multiplexes and watch a movie at Regal Cinema, located at the start of bustling Colaba Causeway. Going to the movies here feels like an event, thanks to the theatre’s neon-lit signboard, the severe-looking faces carved into the façade of the building that look down on moviegoers as they enter, the cavernous cinema hall, the balcony and stall seating, and the heavy velvet curtains that are raised above the screen before a show. It doesn’t hurt that the tickets and popcorn cost a fraction of what they do in multiplexes.
Regal Cinema, Old Custom House Road, Apollo Bandar, Colaba; 022-22021017