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Those nostalgic
about the good old times in Shimla should be delighted. Coming
up is a coffee-table book detailing the history of this city
that was a seat of power in British India.
"We are
bringing out a coffee-table book carrying details about eminent
personalities and imperial buildings associated with the British
era. This will also help tourists, especially from Britain, to
know the heritage of the town," Tourism Director Arun Kumar
said.
He said most of
the tourists have been complaining about lack of information
about the heritage of this town.
"All
prominent heritage buildings would be photographed and a brief
history would be compiled. Some of the buildings or monuments
that have been damaged or refurbished would be exhibited in
black and white sketches in the book that will be published by
March next year," he said.
The department
has also requested prominent century-old institutions and
private owners of historical buildings to provide details about
their property.
"We have
written to prominent institutions like Bishop Cotton School, St
Bede’s College and Christ Church (located on the Ridge) to
provide us rare documents or photographs in their
possession," the official said.
The Queen of
Hills, as Shimla was fondly called by the British, has 91
British-era heritage buildings.
These include
Ellerslie (housing the state secretariat), Vidhan Sabha,
Peterhoff (which was completely renovated after being devastated
in a fire nearly two decades ago and now serves as the state
guest house), United Services Club, Town Hall, Barnes Court
(housing Raj Bhavan), Viceregal Lodge (now housing the Indian
Institute of Advanced Studies) and Gordon Castle.
More than 60
years after the British left, this Himalayan town still attracts
their descendants who are eager to know their roots.
Himachal Pradesh attracted 9.37
million domestic and 367,000 foreign tourists last year. Kullu
and Manali are the hot spots for tourists, followed by Shimla
and Dharamsala.
— IANS
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Aamir Khan and
Katrina Kaif have launched Cine Blitz Gold Love and Longing
in the Hindi Cinema, a coffee-table book that pays tribute
to the Hindi film industry. Both actors are excited about their
look on the cover, as it resembles the poster of Guru Dutt and
Waheeda Rehman in Pyaasa.
"I was
wondering whether we would get it right and how close we would
come to the original. My effort went into trying to bring Guru
Dutt back into life. It was a great moment for me," he said
at the launch of the book in Mumbai recently.
Katrina said:
"When I was asked first, I was very surprised. But it was
very special being able to recreate such a magical moment."
The book was
released to celebrate 35 years of CineBlitz, which is published
by VJM Media Private limited. Its chairman, Vijay Mallya said
that when editors Nishi Prem and Subhash Gupte came up with the
idea, he got excited.
"I was
excited to capture the essence, romance and brilliant works of
Indian cinema for over so many years. I thank Aamir and Katrina
for their time and cooperation and for all they did to make this
happen," said Mallya.
"We have
produced something of which we can be proud," he added.
Arun Guru Dutt,
son of legendary director-actor Guru Dutt, was present on the
occasion. He said: "I am very happy as they have taken a
lot of care while taking the photograph."
The book has been filled with
images from late Raj Kapoor-starrer Awara to Madhur
Bhandarkar’s Fashion, articles, quotes of yesteryear
actors and actress and the current lot as well. |
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