In an electrifying development for Mumbai’s cultural heritage, Bollywood actress Sonam Kapoor and her husband Anand Ahuja have taken over the reins of the city’s beloved historical music store, Rhythm House. This move comes as a breath of fresh air for many music enthusiasts who hold nostalgic memories of the storied venue. As reported by Bloomberg, the couple’s acquisition comes at a significant cost of Rs 47.8 crore. The purchase was made under the aegis of the couple’s entrepreneurial venture, the Bhaane Group. Rhythm House, spanning a considerable 3,600 square feet, had closed its doors in 2018, leaving many fans of its hallowed halls disappointed.
Tracing its beginnings, Rhythm House was founded in 1940 and became an epicenter for lovers of music in Mumbai. Over the decades, it built a reputation as a sanctuary for not only local music aficionados but also international visitors seeking eclectic music collections. This iconic store has etched its place in the city’s fabric, having welcomed notable personalities such as the legendary sitar virtuoso Pandit Ravi Shankar, and Jethro Tull’s frontman Ian Anderson, among a host of other cultural luminaries.
The acquisition by Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja underscores a poignant revival of Mumbai’s lost musical heritage, particularly after the store’s closure five years ago due to financial controversies involving its previous owner, Nirav Modi. Modi had acquired Rhythm House from its original owners, the Curmally family, in 2017 for a sum of Rs 32 crore. However, financial turmoil led to the store’s subsequent demise, leaving the property in a dormant state of nostalgia.
In a dramatic turn of events, Sonam’s purchase comes concurrently with a significant milestone in her personal and professional life.
. Just yesterday, Sonam Kapoor was announced as the new face of the prestigious luxury brand, Dior. She will represent the elegance and artistic vision envisioned by Dior’s women’s wear creative director, Maria Grazia Chiuri. The multi-faceted actress and entrepreneur has always championed aesthetics and creativity, elements that align seamlessly with both her new endorsements and ventures like Rhythm House.
Meanwhile, as if echoing the inspirational spirit of nurturing potential, producer Goldie Behl is taking steps to stimulate Indian creativity within the business world. Drawing apparent inspiration from the popular entrepreneurship show Shark Tank, Behl is set to bring an innovative adaptation, Buy it Now, to Indian television. This adaptation aims to spotlight indigenous talent and creativity, providing a unique platform for local inventors to present their novel concepts. The show promises to be an engaging blend of entrepreneurship and entertainment, providing Indian creators a space to shine.
In other news worldwide, reports swirling around Jaya Bachchan’s mother Indira Bhaduri’s health have been debunked. Despite media speculation, sources close to the Bachchan family reported that Bhaduri is currently in good health, residing within the serene environment of Bhopal. The misinformation had momentarily stirred the media pot, necessitating a clarifying statement from Abhishek Bachchan’s team to quell the rumors.
As Mumbai stands poised to witness the resurrection of its cultural hub, its citizens are left in anticipation of what new era Sonam Kapoor and Anand Ahuja will usher in. While the immediate plans for the iconic store remain undeclared, expectations are high for it to once again become a nucleus of cultural congregation. Will the store once more echo with the symphonies of musical history and cutting-edge aura that its legacy promises? Only time will tell, but for now, the rhythm of cultural revival beats strong in the heart of Mumbai.
