Located on M.A Jinnah Road, Nishat Cinema was Pakistan’s first movie theatre, and despite facing competition from cinemas that were established later, including the nearby, Bambino, Caprice and Prince, which boasted 70 mm screens and plush interiors, it continued to entertain crowds for almost six decades. Unfortunately, Nishat Cinema was burnt down during a protest in 2012 and two weeks ago, any hope of its restoration was dashed when it was put on sale.
It’s show time: According to its Director, Nawab Hasan Siddiq, Nishat Cinema was inaugurated by Fatima Jinnah in 1947. People who went there regularly recall queuing for hours outside to buy tickets for blockbusters including Shehri Babu and Doli (starring Rajesh Khanna and Inayat Hussain Bhatti respectively) in the 1950s. They vividly remember the hushed silence as the lights dimmed and the films began, as well as singing along to the songs of these films.
Out and about: Several high-end malls such as Gul Plaza and plaza and Star City Mall have cropped up recently near Nishat Cinema, replacing old-fashioned, wholesale bazaars. Several of Karachi’s oldest healthcare institutions, including Taj Medical Complex, OMI and 7 Day Hospital, have treated people for generations, are also nearby. Foodie options are restricted to roadside cafes offering Doodh Patti and Parathas, or fast food at the malls’ food courts.
In a nutshell: The sale of the charred remains of Nishat Cinema marks a sad end to what was once a buzzing hotspot for movie buffs, not to mention an iconic landmark that added character to Karachi’s skyline.
By: Ayesha Shaikh
