Liberty For All

Still,the thought of redeveloping or selling off this property,situated in a prime locality,is far from the 70-year-old’s mind. Instead,he’s planning to use the space to promote art and culture. He is in talks with several institutions to host various events. The cinema hall tied up with the Alliance Franciase de Bombay for a film festival which took place in June. This was followed by a glitzy soiree where SWISS and Narendra Kumar launched a 2012-2013 calendar. Most recently,Liberty took the independent decision to plan Music at Liberty,an evening of alternative music featuring three artistes,including rap band,Microphon3. “We are adding more to our existing schedule and drawing newer audiences,” says Hoosein. The hall is currently showing Kyaa Super Kool Hain Hum and next release, Jism 2.

Named Liberty to celebrate India’s independence — the construction of the theatre began in 1947 — the hall was one of the first to show Hindi films,exclusively. This was a decision taking by Hoosein’s father,Habib. The senior Hoosein had made his money in the 40s through a slew of theatres — many of which were tents with nothing more than a projector and screen. “He thought of consolidating the business by opening a big hall,” says Hoosein.

City historian Deepak Rao—who was born in 1949,the same year that Liberty opened to public—has fond memories of it. “Whenever we bunked college or lectures were cancelled,we would land up at Liberty,” he says. The place still draws a loyal crowd from areas such as Girgaum,Crawford and Kalba Devi.

Liberty Cinema,in Hoosein’s words,lends itself well to film festivals. Even threatre troupes have shown interest in staging plays at the hall which has a 14 feet X 35 feet stage. Its acoustics is perfect for musical events — given its high ceiling. The only stumbling block in going ahead with their plans is finances. “What Liberty will require to carry out its plans is support — not just from the community,but also sponsors.” says Deepa Gahlot,head of programming — film and theatre,NCPA. “What Mr Hoosein is doing is great. He isn’t using the property as a piece of real estate.”

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