I love Madras. Having grown up there and thanks to my bicycle, Kinetic Honda, and good friends, I have traveled to every nook and cranny in Madras.
When you think of Madras, one iconic place that comes to mind is the Gemini Flyover. Gemini flyover was built in 1973 and was so called since the lauded Gemini studios used to be there but has since been demolished. One of the landmark statues of Madras is the pair of equestrian statues at the Gemini circle. The statues are meant to celebrate abolition of horse racing and some say the statue was inspired by Vandhiya Thevan from Ponniyin Selvan (Kalki’s epic historical novel). Even though I have driven by the statues and on the flyover thousands of times, I still get a little thrill every time I see it – the statue is impressive if you pause to look at it.
Close to the flyover are many many memories. On the side of Nungambakkam high road with Palimar (looking at you R for giving them a run for their buffet), Landmark book shop which was a hip spot once upon a time, Rani Seethai Hall (so many plays that I have seen with friends); Towards Mt. Road is Safire theater complex with so many Malayalam hit movies (remember High Highness Abdullah and Vandanam) and Spencers (the old regal one!!); and my favorite side is by far the Cathedral road side with Drive-in, US Consulate, Mowbrays Road, Music Academy, and Woodlands (where I got married) – this is the side I call Amma’s side of the city. Amma was at her heart a Mylapore lady and her love spread to me. It is the same side (further down) that had Canopy (remember Romali roti show), Isabel hospital, Rangachari, TNSC Bank Anjaneyar, and ofcourse Luz, Kulam, and Kapaleeshwar koil.
Ahhh..Woodland Drive-in. For many many years, it was a green haven amidst the city with a restaurant tucked away inside. PBS, the yesteryear singer, was a common sighting at Drive-in. Their delicacy was hot Basundhi around 3 pm – they often ran out and so you had to be there at the right time to get it. And who can forget the orange slushy on a hot summer day. In those days, going to restaurants was a rare occurrence for everyone, including us. For us kids, it was a real treat to go to Drive-in and stay in the car and eat.
The restaurant has been closed since Woodland’s lease ran out but I thank that place for so many fond memories as a child and young adult…
Did you get a chance to enjoy Drive-in Woodlands?
epiphanu 