Share
South Mumbai’s over-a-century-old Sun Shine Restaurant, which is a landmark in Thakurdwar, has been presented with a notice to evacuate because the structure is in disrepair. The iconic Irani restaurant, bakery, and beer bar will close after Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) issued a notice to leave.
According to BMC, the structure is ancient and in deterioration. The restaurant was once popular among politicians and celebrities like the late Bollywood superstar Rajesh Khanna, the late comedian-actor Pradeep Patwardhan, and the late Shiv Sena politician and MLA Pramod Navalkar, due to its proximity to Sahitya Sangh Mandir Natyagruha.
When the current owner Shapur Phirozmand’s grandpa, Ardeshir, arrived from Iran, he opened this restaurant and ran it for a few years before passing it on to his son, who was only 18 at that time. Rustom ran it until his death in 2003, rising up every day at 4.30 am to open the restaurant by 5 am. Shapur, who had been living abroad, was hesitant to take over until his mother persisted. The restaurant’s omelette pav, bun maska, and mawa cake were all well-known. Initially, it was merely a bakery. There were marble tables in the restaurant and then the beer bar was constructed 40 years ago.
The BMC has been keeping an eye on this building for the past two years, according to Executive Engineer and Designated Officer Amol Meshram of C Ward, who issued the letter. The 120-year-old building was in such bad shape that it was beyond restoration. In the Sessions Court, the High Court, and now the Supreme Court, the BMC has brought a case against them.
The restaurant is well-known among the locals as well as celebrities. Many karyakartas frequent this eatery in the late hours of the night during the Ganesh Immersion. In Thakurdwar, Sun Shine has long served as a symbol. The people would often visit and go from a route that would allow them to go through Sun Shine, while leaving for their work or coming back. It served the Parsi and Irani populations nearby as well as the Maharashtrian residents in the area. Both residents nearby and foodies alike will miss this iconic restaurant.
