The vibrant and sophisticated style of Bombay Art Deco

Some of Mumbai’s architectural treasures in The Art Deco style have just been inscribed as World Heritage by UNESCO. Navin Ramani grew up in one facing the Oval Maidan, but it wasn't until much later,

Jul 13, 2018, 12:49 IST2 min

1/4

Built on a narrow triangular corner site, the EROS CINEMA (Churchgate, 1938) gives the impression of a docked ship. Designed by the architect Sohrabji Bhedwar, this plush cinema mirrored the extravagant sets, costumes and the stars of Hollywood movies. Bas reliefs inside the auditorium (right) depicts the story of filmmaking from script to finished film.

Image by Roli Books from their book Bombay Art Deco Architecture: A Visua Journey,1930-53 by Navin Ramani

2/4

Stylised forms of tropical imagery and lettering appear in a lot of the residential buildings, like the sun rays in SUNSHINE (Churchgate, 1933-39). These iconic typefaces have never gone out of style. On the right, a richly patterned marble floor leads to the elevator foyer in CHHEDA SADAN (Churchgate, 1932-42).

Image by Roli Books from their book Bombay Art Deco Architecture: A Visua Journey,1930-53 by Navin Ramani

3/4

The striking entrance to ELECTRIC HOUSE EXTENSION BUILDING (Colaba, 1936-39). This is one of the first grand civic buildings in the Art Deco style. On the right, the streamlined design style of the CRICKET CLUB OF INDIA (Churchgate 1937) seen in its curved contours. Streamlined designs referred to aerodynamics, and the sleek surfaces conveyed a futuristic look.

Image by Roli Books from their book Bombay Art Deco Architecture: A Visua Journey,1930-53 by Navin Ramani

4/4

Winged mythological figures frame the portal of BAI PIROJBAI DADABHOY MANECKJI VATCHA AGIARY (Fort, 1937-45). This Zoroastrian fire temple has an abstract geometric concrete grill and faceted columns that speak of the meticulousness of its makers. “The great thing about the recent UNESCO inscription ” says Navin Ramani, “it will draw funding for rehabilitation and upkeep of this magnificent heritage”.

Acknowledgements: Navin Ramani, Abha Narain Lambah, Priya Kapoor (Roli Books)
Photos courtesy : Roli Books from their book Bombay Art Deco Architecture: A Visual
Journey, 1930-53 by Navin Ramani.

Image by Roli Books from their book Bombay Art Deco Architecture: A Visua Journey,1930-53 by Navin Ramani