Zamarrud Theatre Hyderabad

More than two decades ago a 5 year old boy (yours truly) found himself in Abids which was certainly then the microcosm of Hyderabad.

Abids in the 80s <Courtesy: OkaTeluguAbbayi>

The occasion was a family outing to Zamarrud Cinema. And we are stepping out for not just any movie my friends, my parents decided that nothing less than the Raj Kapoor blockbuster Chori Chori was good enough for us. To be honest I wasn't exactly enthused about watching a black and white film of a bygone era even though the movie had all the credentials of a classic. But that was before I saw Zamarrud, the theatre where the movie was being played. Nested in the heart of Abids, Zamarrud was the perfect amalgamation of Hyderabad's old world charm and new fangled ways.

Zamarrud was not just any theatre, it was one of the first air conditioned halls in Hyderabad, a premiere cinema hall which used to host the best of what the film industry had to offer and the place to go for Hyderabad's elite. As a five year old boy, I was mesmerized by the red carpet laden steps, the cultured decor, homely ambiance and chilly air coming in from the auditorium. The delicately cushioned seats and vibrant lights took me right in. The movie was a blur but the experience of watching the movie in Zamarrud stayed right with me.

Only a few months after that outing, Zamarrud closed its doors forever and I never got to re-live what I felt that magical evening. My memory would have never been re-invigorated had it not been for a chance shopping expedition in Abids. The parking slots were full and the parking attendant there directed me towards a narrow by lane. I wasn't exactly thrilled to go down that path but I had no choice. I drove my car down the lane only to discover a plot large enough to host more than a 100 cars.

Abids Parking

I parked my car and made my way up the ramp to the main road when the truth hit me right in the face. The building might have disappeared, the pomp and splendor might have vanished but the truth remained inscribed on the walls. After years of thinking about Zamarrud I had finally once again visited Zamarrud.

Zamarrud Today

The moment felt surreal and nostalgia of yester-years came rushing back to me. I silently paid tribute to the iconic theatre which gave a generation of movie goers memories to cherish. So long my friend, you've definitely been a source of delight for every avid movie goer of this great city. Who knew a leisure trip would become a memory for a lifetime.

If any one of you have such childhood memories do share. Remember everything goes away, the only things which remain are the memories which we have and the memories we pass on.

Until Next Time,

Yours Always,
J.J. Chaitanya