Reliving The Magic Of Filmistan Studios, One Last Time
As the iconic Goregaon studio makes way for luxury towers, we look back at the legends, films, and memories it gave Indian cinema.
Another piece of Bollywood history is making way for real estate.
Filmistan Studio in Goregaon, established in 1943 and once a powerhouse of Hindi cinema, has been sold to Arkade Developers for Rs 183 crore. The developer plans to launch a premium residential project on the site in 2026, featuring two 50-storey towers with 3, 4, and 5 BHK homes and penthouses. It has a projected Gross Development Value (GDV) of Rs 3,000 crore.
YouTube
This marks the third iconic film studio in Mumbai to be sold for redevelopment. Earlier, RK Studios in Chembur and Kamal Amrohi's Kamalistan Studios in Jogeshwari were transformed into multi storey buildings.
"This place that we could not enter had an arch with Filmistan Studio ' written on it. It's gone," said film historian Amrit Gangar, standing near what was once the main entrance.
A Final Glimpse
We tried to enter the studio one last time to step inside the space where Hindi cinema once breathed. But the gate, once crowned by the iconic Filmistan Studio arch, was shut. Now private property, we were turned away. Just as we were about to leave, a man living in a house right next to the compound overheard our conversation. When he learned we were working on a story about the studio's past, he invited us in.
Inside his modest home, he led us to a back room his bedroom. From the window, we got an unexpected, uninterrupted view into the heart of Filmistan. The same stages where Tumsa Nahin Dekha and Jagriti were shot, the space where countless wedding processions and funeral scenes were filmed was now eerily still. And there it stood, the abandoned temple set, instantly recognisable from so many Bollywood films. Cracked, dusty, and quiet... but unmistakably there.
It was like seeing a piece of Indian film history frozen in time, forgotten but still holding on.
Where Stories Were Born
Filmistan was founded by Sasadhar Mukherjee, grandfather of actors Kajol and Rani Mukerji along with his brother-in-law Ashok Kumar, Gyan Mukherjee, and Rai Bahadur Chunilal, after a split with Bombay Talkies.
"The birth of Filmistan is very fascinating. I believe the Nizam of Hyderabad helped fund the land," said Gangar.
The studio went on to produce iconic films like Shaheed, Jagriti, and Tumsa Nahin Dekha, and gave music legends like SD Burman and Madan Mohan their big breaks.
Even after it stopped producing films in the late '60s, its 7 shooting floors, temple, jail, and village sets remained active for decades
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Time of India
21 minutes ago
- Time of India
Apoorva Mukhija reacts to reports claiming her net worth is Rs 41 crore: ‘My mom asked, kaha hai ye saare paise?'
Popular content creator Apoorva Mukhija, also known online as The Rebel Kid, has responded to viral claims that her net worth is a whopping Rs 41 crore. In a recent interview, the Traitors India star rubbished the reports, calling them wildly exaggerated and far from the truth. 'I am everywhere but my net worth is not even close to Rs 41 crore. I'm not even making one-tenth of that,' she told Bollywood Bubble, adding that even her mother was taken aback by the figure floating around online. Apoorva recalled how her mother confronted her after seeing the headline. 'My mom sent me a screenshot and asked, 'Kaha hai ye saare paise? Kyu nahi hum ghar khareed paa rahe hai?' I asked her if she's okay. Nahi hai humare pass itne saare paise.' Apoorva laughs off claims of earning Rs 2.5 lakh daily Apoorva didn't hold back when giving a reality check on the influencer economy. 'No brand is paying me the money that I want. Nobody is agreeing to my rates. How do I care if a random publication has written Rs 41 crore as my net worth out of nowhere?' She even pointed to her outfit during the interview and added, 'These clothes are rented, I have to return them right after this. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Get ₹2Cr life cover@ ₹700 p.m. ICICI Pru Life Insurance Plan Get Quote Undo Look at my heels, they're so dirty, I haven't cleaned them in days. My nails are fake, the watch is worth Rs 20,000, and that's the most expensive thing I'm wearing. But Rs 41 crore is insane. The moment I earn Rs 10 crore, I'll retire. Someone take me there. Give me money.' Apoorva Mukhija Evicted After 'Latent' Controversy | Chaos, Police & Silent Exit On July 4, Apoorva also reacted to an Instagram post that claimed she earns Rs 2.5 lakh daily, charges Rs 6 lakh for a reel, and Rs 2 lakh for an Instagram story. Re-sharing the post, she simply wrote, 'Galat hai bhai????' On the work front, Apoorva was recently seen in Karan Johar 's reality game show The Traitors India, where she competed alongside Uorfi Javed, Nikita Luther, Harsh Gujral, Sudhanshu Pandey, Purav Jha, and others.
Economic Times
22 minutes ago
- Economic Times
Sitaare Zameen Par: A slam-dunk that dribbles humour with sensitivity
This charming 'basketball diaries' is special by not overplaying 'specialness' Have you ever watched a film so sweet and kind, that though you were conscious of its flaws, your heart willed your head not to let them overshadow what you loved about it? That's how I feel about director RS Prasanna's Sitaare Zameen Par (Stars on Earth), produced by Aamir Khan and Aparna Purohit, featuring Aamir as an errant basketball coach ordered by a judge to train a team of persons with intellectual disabilities. Prasanna's interest in blending humour with delicate topics was evident when he took up erectile dysfunction in the 2013 Tamil film, Kalyana Samayal Saadham (Wedding Feast), and its 2017 Hindi remake, Shubh Mangal Saavdhan (Good Luck, Be Careful). In SZP - the Hindi remake of the 2018 Spanish film, Campeones (Champions) - he reminds us that you can populate a comedy with marginalised communities, yet never punch down. In the strictest sense of the word, SZP may be considered predictable. It goes without saying that by the end, Aamir's khadoos, selfish Gulshan will evolve. That he will repair his relationship with his wife (Genelia Deshmukh). That while he coaches neurodivergent youngsters (Simran Mangeshkar, Aayush Bhansali, Aroush Datta, Ashish Pendse, Gopi Krishnan Varma, Naman Misra, Rishabh Jain, Rishi Shahani, Samvit Desai and Vedant Sharma) in the game of basketball, they will coach him in the game of life. SZP's point though is not its conclusion, but the path to it. Aamir's willingness as producer and superstar to back thoughtful cinema far removed from the works of his male contemporaries in the Hindi film industry gives SZP the visibility it deserves. Its winning move is the casting of the basketballers, each one dealing in reality with the challenge that their character has on screen. The result: instead of 'playing' autism, or Down's syndrome, they play people who no doubt have challenges, but are not defined by them. A hat tip here to casting directors Tess Joseph and Anmol Ahuja. Gopi, who plays SZP's Guddu, was charming as the joint lead in Thirike (The Return), an endearing Malayalam film about orphaned brothers separated by adoption, co-directed by George Kora and Sam Xavier. Thirike was released in 2021, the same year as the lovely Hindi-English Ahaan directed by Nikhil Pherwani, starring an excellent Abuli Mamaji as a youngster with Down's Syndrome (like the actor), who befriends a man with OCD. SZP, Thirike and Ahaan add a crucial layer to discussions on representation in casting. I'm particularly preoccupied with this subject since I just watched the US series Parenthood, in which the brilliant Max Burkholder, a neurotypical actor, played a boy on the autism spectrum. Divy Nidhi Sharma's script for SZP nudges us to expand our definition of marginalisation, and to also note how those who face prejudice might harbour prejudice, too. Its most hilarious track involves Gulshan's ageism towards his mother, played impeccably by Dolly Ahluwalia. For a film that understands ageism, it's disappointing and ironic, though, that a woman of Aamir's age was not cast as Gulshan's wife. Instead, as he told the press, he has been 'de-aged' with VFX. I'm not sure whether it's the VFX or the weight of playing characters who are decades his junior, or prosthetics in the past, that can be blamed. But the fact is there's too much of the Aamir of 3 Idiots in the Aamir of PK, Laal Singh Chaddha, and SZP. I'm rooting for the return of the Aamir who gave me a lump in my throat when he looked skywards in a tough moment in the seemingly simple Hum Hain Rahi Pyar Ke (We Are Travellers on the Path of Love) and asked his dead sister, 'Main kya karoo, Didi?' It hurts to point this out because I'm emotionally invested in the Aamir who constantly shrugs off cliched notions of commercial viability to greenlight films like SZP. Conventional 'wisdom' among India's richest filmmakers is that sensitivity cannot coexist with hilarity. The joyous SZP tosses that 'wisdom' out of the window. (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this column are that of the writer. The facts and opinions expressed here do not reflect the views of Elevate your knowledge and leadership skills at a cost cheaper than your daily tea. Zepto has slowed, and Aadit Palicha needs more than a big fund raise to fix it Drones have become a winning strategy in war; can they be in investing? How the sinking of MSC Elsa 3 exposed India's maritime blind spots Ozempic, Wegovy, Mounjaro: Are GLP-1 drugs weight loss wonders or health gamble? Darkness at noon: Can this reform succeed after failing four times? Stock picks of the week: 5 stocks with consistent score improvement and return potential of more than 29% in 1 year Stock Radar: Nippon Life stock gives a breakout from Cup pattern in June; check target & stop loss for long positions From takeovers to a makeover: Are cement stocks ready for re-rating? 8 cement stocks with upside potential from 6 to 42%
Time of India
34 minutes ago
- Time of India
5 earrings that look effortlessly perfect on round faces
(Image Credits: Pinterest) Let's get earring-istic with stunning jewellery that acts like a secret weapon and accentuates your natural beauty. Yes, you heard that right. These small accessories worn can change the way you look, making your face more defined, elongated, and radiant like a goddess descended from heaven. It's time to ditch the round-face hesitation and embrace those curves with a little extra drama! These 5 earring styles are total game-changers for round faces, get ready to go full-on earring-obsessed. Chandelier earrings If you have a round face, then chandelier earrings are a steal deal for you. Their intricate designs add just the right amount of drama and flair to your overall accessory show, making your face more sculpted than boring. Opt for Jadau or Meenakari styles that reflect rich Indian traditions and will look perfect for the festive season. (Image Credits: Pinterest) Long drop earrings Long drop earrings give you a vertical line that further elongates your face. Drawing attention towards them can create an overall balance with a soft touch on your round face. With stunning Polkis or diamonds, keep up the style and look more alluring than ever before. Rakul Singh looks gorgeous in co-ord set, actress' gold earrings steals the show Angular earring designs Try angular-like shapes such as studs or triangular designs, which can create an element or structure for your contemporary style and can enhance the look in seconds. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 혈관 뻥~ 뚫는 ''이것.' 끈적,, 콜레스테롤 완벽배출! "혈관 관리" 하나로도 충분하네요! 피로개선 끝판왕 더 알아보기 Undo Angular designs are rare to be seen and break the roundness of your face, providing a modish touch that works marvellously with a sleek, vibrant pop. Hoops on the run While traditional hoops can look alluring on round faces, opt for oval hoops, which can create a flattering twist. You can incorporate them with diamonds or small danglers, which makes them stand out from the others. (Image Credits: Pinterest) The gorgeous studs If you wish to go with a safer side, then opt for studs that work well with round faces. However, don't choose the small boring studs, but opt for oversized figures with Polki or diamond detailing that look classy and can match with all of your fits. These will draw attention to your ears without overwhelming your round facial features. With the right choice of earrings, you can instantly boost your confidence, looking sharper, bolder, and iconic. Go for longer and more refined designs that will instantly draw the attention of the viewers. Opt for intricate design details with Jadau, Polki, and diamonds, or you can also explore the streets of oxidised metallic earrings that can be added to your everyday collection.
