E-Paper
Playing spoilsport
If Arif Ali has his way, he may end up ruining your daily night out at Zenzi.
Bandra’s famous watering hole Zenzi is in the news again. This time round, for the wrong reasons, especially for its regular patrons. The nightclub, which is located in Mamta, uses the building’s open space as an extension for its facilities. Arif Ali, a resident of the building, had issues related to the noise emanating from the place. He filed a case in the Bombay High Court some time ago. For reasons known only to him, he even refuses to give us the date. “I don’t remember when I filed the case. It’s many years ago,” he asserts.
Last week, the Bombay High Court issued a ruling in Ali’s favour. The order directed the BMC to take action against the temporary shed. But as reported by a leading national daily, this isn’t the final judgment in the long-pending case. The next hearing is due for six weeks later.
The BMC is already in action and sent a notice to the owners of the club, under the Maharashtra Regional Town Planning Act. Anil Kabuli, one of the partners at Zenzi, refused to divulge details. “You have to understand that the matter is sub judice. At this point of time, I’m bound by the law to refrain from commenting. I can put things in a clearer perspective only after we are through with the proceedings,” he assured us.
This is not the end though. There’s another side to the tale.
A source we encountered in the building, on grounds of anonymity, revealed that Ali himself has been party to illegal construction on the premises. “He has built four rooms on the terrace without any permission. Why doesn’t he demolish them before taking on others,” he alleges.
On his part, Ali has his own set of demands. According to him, all restaurants and nightclubs in Bandra have illegal extensions. “Why don’t you visit every place here and do a survey. You’ll be surprised at the outcome. Almost all places have some illegal construction which goes unnoticed,” he retorts.
At the end of the day, it’s the patron who loses out on his daily dose of fun. Some like model Sheetal Mallar who hang out here regularly swear by the place. “My friends and me will never stop going to Zenzi no matter what. The place has good vibes,” she explains.
But Carol Gracias, model and another regular, has opposing views. “I have no idea about the verdict. But, I’m sure the place will lose its character and also a few clients, if the outside structure is shut on a regular basis.” Only time will tell.
