02 July,2014 12:05 PM IST | | Gaurav Dubey
Many archival documents relating to Bollywood were lost in a recent fire that broke out at Bombay Talkies
The fire was caused by a short circuit
On Thursday night, a fire gutted one of the floors of Bombay Talkies film studio. Says a source, "A fire broke in the building's basement. As a result, a lot of valuable documents pertaining to Indian cinema were reduced to ashes."
The fire was caused by a short circuit
Bombay Talkies is a studio of historical significance as it has witnessed the making of pathbreaking films in the '30s, '40s and '50s. Established by Himanshu Rai in 1934, the studio shut down in 1954.
According to a few people present at the spot, there was a short circuit in the basement after which a major fire broke out. Fortunately, no casualties were reported. "It is being said that around 650 negatives, 102 film reels, as also several photos, agreements and records were lost in the fire," says a source.
Abhay Kumar, grandson of Ashok Kumar, confirmed the news. "Many documents, including letters from Subhash Chandra Bose, Ravindranath Tagore and other personalities were lost in the fire. We can't blame anyone for this ill-fated incident," he said.
