Ludhianvis will fondly cherish memories of Aarti Cinema

Manav Mander

Advertisement

Tribune News Service

Ludhiana, February 13

Ludhiana is losing its one more landmark, the famous Aarti Cinema, as it is being demolished to give way to a mall. The popular Aarti Cinema is going to meet the same fate as Malhar and Kailash cinemas which have given way to malls.

Aarti Chowk, named after Aarti Cinema, became a major landmark as it was located in the heart of Ludhiana and was generally mentioned by people while explaining route to city destinations. But now, the roundabouts and roads will remain without the buildings which brought the name to them.

Established in 1973, Aarti Cinema was considered one of the posh cinemas of its time since it was fully air-conditioned. All Yash Chopra’s films were screened here. Of late, with malls and multiplexes coming to the scene, the craze for single-screen theatres gradually diminished. But Aarti Cinema was still a favourite among college students as it was easy on pocket and had ample parking space.

Sukhjit, a city resident, said she had watched many movies at this cinema. “I still remember when ‘Hum Aapke Hain Koun’ was screened here. I could not watch the movie in early months as my son was quite small. But I was happy since the movie had been screened there for almost a year. I watched the movie during the last few months of its screening. Most of Yash Chopra’s movies were screened here,” she said.

Another resident, Amanpreet Singh, said it used to be the first day, first show at Aarti Cinema. “I still remember the rush on the first day of the movie, ‘Kuch Kuch Hota Hai’. The police had to be called to control the huge rush,” he said.

For Anu, watching a movie was just a walk away from home. “The cinema was located close to my home. It was just a 10-minute walk from my home. I watched movies at the cinema off late too. But a few days back, I was pained to see a notice put up at the cinema which read It was being closed.

“An era has come to an end with the demolition of Aarti Cinema. It was the heart and soul of the city and many residents have their memories attached to it. The unique design of the cinema building made it stand out,” said Anu.

Jasjit Singh, a senior citizen, said he watched many movies at this cinema. “The city is losing one more landmark and that is very sad,” he said.