shot-button
Maharashtra Elections 2024 Maharashtra Elections 2024
Home > Entertainment News > Bollywood News > Article > Mumbais iconic RK Studios in Chembur to go under redevelopment

Mumbai's iconic RK Studios in Chembur to go under redevelopment

Updated on: 11 May,2018 07:22 AM IST  |  Mumbai
Shaheen Parkar |

Kapoors are in talks with developers to build a studio space and commercial structures in the two-acre plot in Chembur eight months after RK Studios was gutted in the fire

Mumbai's iconic RK Studios in Chembur to go under redevelopment

Rishi Kapoor
Rishi Kapoor


Almost eight months after RK Studios in Chembur was gutted in a blaze, the Kapoor khandaan - matriarch Krishna Kapoor; her sons Randhir, Rishi, Rajiv; and daughters Ritu Nanda and Rima Jain - has been weighing the options available to redevelop the studio that has given Indian cinema countless classics over the decades.


While the family is keen to build a studio again, given the role it has played in their lives and that of cinema, they are also toying with the idea of redevelopment.


RK Studios
RK Studios

Rishi candidly admits, "We are thinking of redevelopment." The senior actor adds that the family is constantly in talks about the way ahead for the studio that was built in 1945 by the showman of the Hindi film industry, Raj Kapoor. "We are going to develop the place in two phases - one will have the facility of a studio, keeping the spirit of the studio alive. The rest will be developed [in the same way] that the other studios have done. There are few builders who we are in negotiations with, and we will develop it as a commercial place. It's located in a strategic area, with the Mumbai-Pune highway close by. The new airport will also come up nearby. There are no hotels around in the area. So we are keeping all these factors in mind; we're still in talks."

Randhir Kapoor
Randhir Kapoor

Although aware that building a studio in this day and age may not be a feasible idea, Rishi says the Kapoors will take the legacy forward. "You build a studio and there are no returns on it. Nobody shoots in a studio anymore. So, we have to balance our emotions with reality. But we'll definitely keep Raj Kapoor's memory alive by building a filming facility."

Randhir says, "It is expensive to set up a new studio today. The entire film industry now operates on the western side of Mumbai as Film City is in Goregaon. No actor wants to travel to the eastern side."

However, he appears wary about roping in a third party for redevelopment. "If we bring in another party, they will demand a big slice of the cake. We have to decipher the cost of development and the returns. Our discussions have not reached that stage yet." The RK Studios fire erupted on September 16 last year on the set of the television show, Super Dancer 2.

Also read: Negatives of RK Studios' films to be part of NFAI collection


You may also like

 

Catch up on all the latest entertainment news and gossip here. Also download the new mid-day Android and iOS apps to get latest updates

"Exciting news! Mid-day is now on WhatsApp Channels Subscribe today by clicking the link and stay updated with the latest news!" Click here!


Mid-Day Web Stories

Mid-Day Web Stories

This website uses cookie or similar technologies, to enhance your browsing experience and provide personalised recommendations. By continuing to use our website, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy. OK