A significant piece of Mumbai’s cinematic heritage is about to vanish. Famous Studios, the 79-year-old film studio located in Mahalaxmi that once buzzed with the magic of filmmaking, is set to be demolished to make way for a towering luxury residential skyscraper.
Established in 1943 by J. B. Roongta, Famous Studios has been a cornerstone of Bollywood’s golden era for nearly eight decades. It provided cutting-edge facilities for shooting, sound recording, and post-production, hosting countless iconic films and advertisements. The studio was an integral part of Mumbai’s creative fabric—but now, its legendary run is coming to a close.
According to reports, the landowners are negotiating a deal with K Raheja Corp Real Estate to redevelop the sprawling 70,000 sq ft site into a 69-floor residential tower. Plans submitted to the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation reveal that apartments will begin from the ninth floor, featuring luxurious 3- and 4-BHK homes. Residents will enjoy breathtaking views of the Arabian Sea and the Mahalaxmi Race Course.
The project will primarily focus on upscale living, dedicating most of the 4.3 lakh sq ft built-up area to luxury residences, with only a small portion allocated for commercial use. This development marks a shift in Mahalaxmi’s skyline towards premium residential spaces.
Connectivity is also a key consideration in the design. The new tower will be within 500 meters of the Science Museum Metro Station, with feasibility studies underway to create a direct vestibule link, enhancing accessibility.
If finalized, this will be K Raheja Corp’s third major residential venture in Mahalaxmi, following Vivarea and Modern Vivarea, further cementing the area’s status as a luxury living destination. Demolition of Famous Studios is expected to commence by the end of this year, likely before Christmas.
This follows similar redevelopment trends, such as the transformation of Goregaon’s Filmistan Studio into luxury towers. With nearly eight decades of cinematic history now closing, Famous Studios will soon live on only in memories and archives, joining the growing list of Mumbai’s iconic film landmarks lost to the city’s ever-expanding skyline.
