Delhi’s Regal Cinema: Screen goes dark after Raj Kapoor’s ‘Sangam’

Delhi’s iconic Regal theatre will screen Raj Kapoor’s classic films ‘Mera Naam Joker’ and ‘Sangam’ before finally bringing the curtains down tomorrow. This well-known landmark in the capital’s central Connaught Place will close on March 31 after 80 glorious years.

Regal was opened in 1932 by eminent writer Khushwant Singh’s father, Sardar Sir Sobha Singh. It was designed by architect Walter Sykes George.

One of Regal’s owners Vishal Choudhary said they decided to screen Kapoor's films after receiving a lot of fan requests. He said, "Regal has had a great association with both Prithviraj Kapoor and his son Raj Kapoor. Prithviraj ji used to perform all his plays in the Regal theatre and Raj Kapoor made sure to premiere all his films here. He was very attached to the theatre and Nargis ji also visited a lot of times with him.”

Veteran actor and Raj Kapoor’s son, Rishi Kapoor also bid an emotional farewell to Regal Theatre on Twitter.

“Demolish. Adios Regal Theatre, Delhi. A place where all the Kapoor's theatre and cinema work was seen. Had 'Bobby' premiered there too! Thank you!" the actor posted on Twitter alongside a picture of the cinema hall.

At present, the theatre is playing Anushka Sharma starrer ‘Phillauri’. It will screen ‘Mera Naam Joker’ in the evening and ‘Sangam’ in the night show.

The owners are planning to relaunch Regal as a multiplex but as Vishal Chaudhary told PTI, it may take almost a year to start with the renovation.

With inputs by NH Web Desk.