Garden woes for Yash Raj

Activist alleges that YRF has restricted public access to a garden near its Andheri studio to hold private parties; has even appointed a guard and gardener to take care of the property

An alleged move by Yash Raj Films (YRF) to usurp a BMC-owned garden in Andheri (West) has raised the hackles of a social worker in the city.


The BMC garden on Veera Desai Road, Andheri, which is 'maintained' by Yash Raj Films

According to Andheri resident and social worker AR Nair, the garden has been illegally locked by the group, which has even deployed a security guard and gardener on the premises. On questioning the guard, Nair was told that he was appointed by YRF.

Nair sought clarification through the Right To Information (RTI) act from BMC in January this year and was informed that the garden (CTS No 8444/5, measuring 779.39 sq metres) on Veera Desai Road, near Fun Republic, actually was in possession of the BMC, but was being looked after by YRF.
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The garden, according to the civic body, is open to public during specific timings displayed on a board at the entrance.

However, according to Nair, the situation is different. He said that the garden is in total possession of YRF and the board above the gate has been removed and the gate is perpetually locked by the guard.

Also, Nair alleges that since the past two years, the garden is being used by Chopra as a venue for parties and other functions.

Nair added that since he began his enquiry, the garden was thrown open to the public for an hour every evening, but alleged that children's entry into the park was restricted.

"YRF erects a staircase from the office bordering the garden and organises parties. BMC officials avoid talking about the issue and one angry BMC official said that he was simply following orders from the chief minister.

Chopra's office staff avoids me when I approach them for clarification and I am going to file a writ petition shortly," said Nair.

BMC says
Ramesh Pawar, assistant commissioner, BMC said, "Chopra has applied for adoption of the garden, but since there is a stay against the adoption and caretaker policy, we have not handed over the plot to anyone." Pawar added that the security guard and gardener may have been appointed by Chopra, but the garden still belongs to the BMC.

The Other Side
Rafiq Gangjee, vice-president (marketing and communications), YRF, said that the garden is only being maintained by YRF since it adjoins the studio and has not been acquired as alleged. "We have employed our own security guard and gardener to look after the property as advised by the BMC. The garden is open to the public in the morning and evening daily. It has never been used for functions or parties but is only maintained by us," he said.