Shimla: Having been part of film industry since the very inception as some of the earliest theaters were opened in the city, ironically Shimla got its first post Independence theater when a multiplex full HD projection theater opened up here today.
The multiplex with two screens and a seating capacity of 374 seats is part of the new Inter State Bus Terminus (ISBT) complex at Tutikandi.
Speaking about the hill city’s association with cinema, Raaja Bhasin, an historian, said, “film theaters opened up in Shimla much before they did so in many cities of the country, but the multiplex film theater that opened up today is the first one since India attained Independence in 1947.”
Speaking at the inauguration of the new theater GS Bali, the transport minister said, “the new theater would bring a world class entertainment experience to the city.”
Two decades ago there were four film theaters in the city, while one Regal burnt down and has not been rebuilt, another one Rivoli has been declared unsafe and shut down, and Ritz and Shahi are the only two other theaters that are currently operational.
At the inaugural Anil Jindal, Chairman & Managing Director, SRS Ltd, said, “We are expanding our cinemas business. With the inaugural of the city’s first multiplex, this happens is SRS Group’s 13 Multiplex in north India.
The group plans to invest additional Rs 25 Crore to add 12 more screens to its current portfolio of 33 screens within the current financial year.
SRS Limited happens to be a diversified group with interest in real estate, cinemas, jewellery, retail and hospitality.
As Editor, Ravinder Makhaik leads a team of media professionals at Hill Post.
Spanning a career of over two decades in mass communication, as a Documentary Filmmaker, TV journalist, Print Media journalist and with Online & Social Media, he brings with him a vast experience. He lives in Shimla.
Definitely a boost to tourism and a welcome note for Shimlites.Liked.