In a significant move that marks the intersection of art and business, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and entrepreneur husband Anand Ahuja have acquired Mumbai’s legendary music store, Rhythm House. The couple’s decision to invest in this iconic establishment speaks volumes about their commitment to preserving cultural heritage, as reported by Bloomberg. The acquisition, undertaken by their Bhaane Group, came at a cost of Rs 47.8 crore.
Rhythm House, which occupies a prime 3,600-square-foot space, has been a cornerstone of Mumbai’s cultural and musical scene since its establishment in 1940. However, the music store had permanently closed its doors in 2018 following the financial scandals associated with its previous owner, Nirav Modi. Modi, who acquired Rhythm House from its original proprietors, the Curmally family, in 2017 for Rs 32 crore, defaulted on substantial bank loans, leading to the shuttering of the beloved store.
A spokesperson for Bhaane has confirmed the purchase, generating excitement among Mumbai locals and music enthusiasts alike. Rhythm House isn’t just a store but a beloved institution that, over the decades, hosted a myriad of musical legends and enthusiasts. Among its notable visitors were Pandit Ravi Shankar and Jethro Tull’s Ian Anderson, making it a hub for both Indian classical and international music.
The acquisition by Kapoor and Ahuja comes at a time when cultural spaces around the world are struggling to maintain relevance amidst rapid digitalization and the impact of the pandemic. For music lovers in Mumbai, Rhythm House is more than a mere building; it epitomizes the nostalgia of vinyl, cassettes, and CDs, housing the echoes of a bygone era where music was an experience in itself.
Meanwhile, Sonam Kapoor continues to make waves not just in the business world but in fashion as well.
. She has recently been announced as the face of luxury brand Dior, representing the brand’s womens-wear creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri’s collections. This aligns with Kapoor’s longstanding reputation as a fashion icon in India and abroad, showcasing her versatility beyond her acting career.
This business venture adds to the series of high-profile real estate investments by the Kapoor family, with news emerging just weeks prior about Sonam’s father-in-law acquiring a lavish property in London for Rs 231.4 crore. This trend underscores an increasing diversification into real estate by individuals in the entertainment industry, blending lifestyle and investment with strategic foresight.
In a related area, the duo’s decision to bring new life back to Rhythm House reflects a commitment to supporting the arts, and by extension, creating spaces that celebrate creativity and artistic expression. With the couple’s investment, there are high hopes for the transformation of Rhythm House into a vibrant cultural hub once more—a place where both the legacy and future of music converge.
As this exciting development unfolds, it raises questions about the future potential of iconic structures worldwide that are at risk of fading into obscurity. By rejuvenating Rhythm House, Kapoor and Ahuja set a precedent for sustainable development that respects historical significance while adapting to contemporary needs. Their initiative could inspire other business leaders and celebrities to invest in cultural preservation, thus enriching cities with unique histories.
In the coming months, as plans for Rhythm House are unveiled, all eyes will be on the Kapoor-Ahuja collaboration, poised to breathe new life into India’s musical heritage. For now, the acquisition represents a symbol of hope for preserving the artistic soul of Mumbai amidst its bustling modern landscape.
