Thread by @MInherited

This is a screengrab of the song “Enakku Oru Girlfriend” from the movie #Boys, which was released in 2003. Can you identify the building that has been featured in this scene?

#WhereWasThisShot #TriviaThursday

It is #SpencerPlaza on Mount Road, widely considered to be India’s first modern mall

While people in Bombay and Delhi were yet to experience mall culture, it was Madras that trumped them and became home to not only the first mall in India but also one of the biggest in -

South Asia when it opened in 1985. Spencer Plaza, the bright and imposing structure on Chennai’s arterial Mount Road (Anna Salai), is still one of the city’s most popular landmarks.

While the mall itself opened up only in 1985, the history of this venue predates it by more than-

a century. Before being the first mall in the country, built in 1865, it housed what was then the first departmental store in India. Constructed by English entrepreneur Eugene Oakshott, the store was then known as the Spencer & Co. Departmental Store and had over 80 departments.

In a few years, thanks to a booming business, the store was shifted to a new building. The imposing structure stood tall till 1983 when a mysterious fire nearly brought it down and left it in ruins.

Image credits: The News Minute

The vacant land, which was located centrally in the city, was soon bought by a -businessman who, along with a few other partners, constructed a new building designed to pay tribute to the old one and gave birth to Spencer Plaza as we know it today.

It might've been one of South Asia’s biggest malls when it opened, but over the years many other malls have overtaken this complex in terms of size. And going by modern standards, Spencer Plaza might not even be much of a mall anymore considering that it doesn’t have a multiplex-

and neither does it have the biggest brands in terms of fashion or electronics - two primary identifiers for any high street mall. However, what it lacks in terms of facilities and high-end comforts, this age-old complex more than makes up for that through its unique character.

From authentic Pashmina shawls to exquisite Rajasthani handiworks and antiques of all shapes and sizes, Spencer Plaza has today carved a special niche for itself and is home to shops and merchandise that you won't find in any other malls in the city.

Research Source: The Hindu