5 Dec 2008, 0000 hrs IST, TNN

Mumbai has not got over 26/11
And it won’t. Citizens need not have been through the experience, nor lost loved ones, to contribute to the palpable fear that has spread across the city. Add to that emotional response to danger the scare caused by rumours of another terrorist strike timed for tomorrow — December 6, the 16th anniversary of the Babri Masjid demolition and the birth anniversary of Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar which draws lakhs of Dalits to his memorial at Dadar. Life has just not got back to normal. BT checked out public places in Mumbai like shopping malls, multiplexes, restaurants and cinema halls that are otherwise notoriously crowded one week after 26/11— almost empty, all of them. Here’s what we found…

New Excelsior: According to the ticket collector here, ticket sales have been “very, very less” over the last few days. Cinemas were shut on Thursday and Friday, but open since Saturday. “Hardly three or four people came,” he said dismally from behind the booking window. Few people were seen at the cinema. However, one collegian wittily remarked that was more to do with the boring film than with terrorist attacks. Outside, a sandwichwalla waited for business. Are you scared, we asked. “Obviously I am,” he said.

Sterling: The same story. Low ticket sales. On 26/11, the cinema kept its patrons in overnight and gave them refreshments from its food court. They were allowed to go in the morning. One student said this Wednesday, “I’m not scared. My parents don’t know I’m here, though. They would get mad at me.”

Regal: Being a stone’s throw away from the Taj, Regal stayed shut till Saturday. On Wednesday, however, the management said it was playing to quarter capacity.

Shopper’s Stop, Bandra: Buzzing, with no indication that there was any fear over Bandra. Bags were being checked by guards at the entrance, as always, and inside — it was business as usual. “There was hardly anyone here last weekend but since Monday, people have come back,” a saleswoman behind the perfume counter informed. Bandra resident Kamlesh Shah, who was with his friends, said that he was tired of sitting at home and had come here for a stroll. “How long can we sit cooped up inside our houses,” he asked.

Cinemax, Sion: Devang Sampat, Senior Vice-President here, said, “The theatre was closed on Thursday last week. Friday the occupancy dropped terribly impacting business. But Saturday evening things were kind of normal. Security has been beefed up. By Sunday, business picked up. But we believe things will be back to normal with the Shah Rukh Khan film, he can pull the audience and we are banking on it.”

Imax, Wadala: Even tucked away in a quiet corner, this multiplex did poor business last week Wednesday onwards. Exactly a week later, it was still unusually quiet. An onlooker enjoying the tranquillity of the place, said, “I haven’t seen many people going in since the last few days. I guess it’s a little scary especially at a time like this.”

Atria Mall, Worli: It’s not business as usual at Atria Mall neither is the mood of those employed in the stores inside upbeat. The security cover has been increased inside and outside with police patrolling the area and keeping a close watch on those entering the mall. “The cops aren’t attentive, I see them entering the mall only when they have to use the loo,” complained an angry salesman at a branded shop. Esha, Shaishta and Kavia who work in different stores inside the mall, added, “Last Sunday business was slack unlike what it is on weekends.” The employees of the mall are unaware of the directive issued by the police that people should stay away from malls and multiplexes till December. 7 “We have not been informed of any such thing,” said Kavia.

Inorbit, Malad: It’s a regular weekday at this mall. With security checks making it compulsory for shoppers to use one entrance only. The food court here sees a lot of people. Sanjay, a salesperson, said that last week business was bad, but Monday onwards the crowds were back at the mall. The same holds true for Shopper’s Stop located in the same complex. Fame Adlabs which is also a part of the shopping mall has been doing average business. Hypercity located near Inorbit sees it’s usual crowd with people from the locality as well as the various offices located nearby walking in every evening.

Shopper’s Stop, Ghatkopar: Unlike the city and western suburbs, the central suburbs doesn’t have too many malls. Not surprising then that Shopper’s Stop in Ghatkopar is always packed. But the past one week, this place has got completely hit and the numbers have dropped by more than half. Only “essential shopping” is happening right now. As Pragati Bhat, trying out some outfits at the mall, said, “I really need to buy myself an outfit for an occasion, so I’m here. Otherwise I wouldn’t come to a mall.” Things are slowly limping back to normal, sales personnel assured. But there’s a board outside which tells visitors to be vigilant and alert.
R-Mall in Mulund too has seen a huge dip in the number of people.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Potpourri/Fear_Over_The_City/articleshow/3793154.cms

Related posts:

1. Saawariya kicks off ticket sales while OSO is yet to start
2. Oye Lucky Lucky Oye Picks Up
3. RAB NE BOXOFFICE REPORT TILL SATURDAY
4. Six Crore For 1920 And A Wednesday Is Rock Steady
5. Fenil’s Bollywood Talk # 25