India, Dec. 7 -- Throughout history, 'dream merchants' have captivated the public with offerings of romanticism and escapism, fulfilling a deep-seated yearning for experiences that elevate them beyond the confines of their daily lives. In the early 20th century, cinema and theatrical performances emerged as the most vivid embodiments of this desire, with dream merchants transforming entertainment into a vital source of sustenance for the masses. During this period, the terms 'cinema' and 'theatre' were often synonymous, reflecting a shared cultural phenomenon. It was not uncommon for certain establishments to showcase both films and live dramas, with a heavy drape curtain serving to create a makeshift stage in front of the screen, allowing the space to adapt fluidly to the evening's entertainment. Colonial 'Huzrutgunge' (officially called Queensway) had already become a centre of fashion, much merry-making, and a true commercial hub, after its inception. The Prince of Wales Theatre (later Prince Cinema) was the first cinema hall of Hazratganj, which traced its origins from one of the visits of the Prince of Wales to the city. Owned by the Shah Brothers of Nainital, the premises became quite popular with the British and the Eurasian community, till the emergence of the Plaza (then Regal, then Filmistan, and present-day Sahu PVR), which came up in the parking space in front of Prince cinema in 1934. Owned by the Jhaveri Brothers of Bombay, the Plaza building had an unusual appearance - Art Deco in parts, with the actual cinema hall not being on the ground level, but being accessible only by elevator and a rather steep flight of steps. In the long run, the establishment of Plaza cinema proved to be catastrophic for Prince cinema, as one had to walk across the immense foyer of the former, just to reach Prince. Thus, the footfall of Plaza increased inadvertently and substantially due to Prince. Relegated to the background, the latter soon went to seed and came to be categorised as a 'has-been' - a place to be avoided, unless absolutely necessary. Prince did attempt to carry out subsequent make-overs and upgradations, but they were too little and too late. Its fate had already been sealed. Walter Burley Griffin, the famed American architect, who had earlier designed Canberra, the new capital city of Australia, reached Lucknow in 1936, ostensibly to design Lucknow University's new upcoming library. His plan, however, could not materialise, but he was inundated with other commissions including the Student Union building of Lucknow University, a library and museum for the Raja of Mahmoodabad, the Pioneer Press building and Capitol cinema, which opened in 1937. From screening the British film, 'Its Love Again' to stage performances like 'The Hotcha Girls' and 'Dr Alvaro', Capitol cinema mixed and matched film shows and stage performances with aplomb for its audiences. However, Seth Gyanchand Thadani can be considered to be the true dream merchant of Lucknow, who, during his lifetime, provided citizens with a range of options connected to cinema. Gyanchand belonged to a prominent Sindhi migrant family, who, after gaining experience in running the Prince and Regal cinemas, together with regimental cinemas in Lucknow cantonment, came upon the idea of launching his own cinema hall, which became a reality in 1939. This businessman, who preferred to be known as 'Thad' due to obvious reasons, selected a vacant plot in Hazratganj, diagonally opposite St Joseph's Church for his dream venture. This led to delays in the project, as it appeared inappropriate to some, who felt that the proposed cinema building should face Lalbagh, instead of the church in Hazratganj. Come what may, the Mayfair cinema building finally came up, facing the main street of Hazratganj. It boasted of a ballroom and a restaurant, in addition to a small but elegant cinema hall. Initially conceived as 'The Metropole', Gyanchand finally christened his business venture as 'Mayfair'. He also reverted back to his native name of Gyanchand, instead of 'Thad' post-Independence. Mayfair, the cinema hall and associated establishments in the building, including Kwality Restaurant and the British Council Library, never shed their elitist tag till the time it was finally shut down in 1996. Basant cinema, the poor cousin of neighbouring Mayfair, which faced Lalbagh, had also closed down earlier, setting the trend for the closure of single-screen cinemas across Hazratganj and elsewhere. Cut to present times - the once glamorous premises of Mayfair is but a hollow shell of its original self, with the cinema, restaurant and most of the shops shut, and the few remaining on the verge of closure. Basant cinema is now home to a multitude of shops offering a diverse range of goods, from tiles to computer accessories. The former Plaza/Filmistan, in its current avatar as Sahu PVR, struggles to keep its relevance intact. Capitol is in a state of abject disrepair. But what about Prince, from where it all began? Only the original signage above the lobby, depicting the royal crown remains. Behind it, the premises have been converted to a warren of shops, most of which sell ready-made clothing. The passage of time has left no one unscathed. PC Sarkar, a former scientist, has authored several books on the forgotten heritage of Lucknow...