And so, this building. In some of my earlier posts, I have mentioned how a shot of this building was enough to establish that the hero had arrived in Madras - whether the movie was in Tamil, Malayalam or maybe even Telugu. It remains (I think) the tallest building in Chennai. The construction of this building was begun in 1953 - the design inspired by the United Nations Headquarters in New York - by M.Ct.M.Chidambaram Chettiar, who dreamt of it showcasing United India Insurance, Indian Overseas Bank and Travancore Rayons, three of his big business ventures. Chidambaram Chettiar died in 1954; his dream for this building died a couple of years later, when the property, belonging to United India Insurance, was taken over by the government when insurance was nationalised in 1956.
Having always seen this building from Mount Road, I did not think I could ever have a different view of it. What I did not realize was that the property has now been extended all the way back to General Patters Road; it is not easy, as you drive up GP Road to figure out how the 'Golden Jubilee Gateway' takes you to Mount Road - it is only when you go a little beyond that you get to see the building itself and then it becomes clear. When I got this view of the LIC Building, I knew that it would make the 100th post - the building where both my parents spent a significant part of their working lives!
6 comments:
Congratulations on reaching this milestone.
South Indian movies have used long- shots of the Central Railway Station along with tilt - up shots of the LIC building to establish that the protagonist had indeed arrived in Chennai.
Cheers.
Beautiful snaps. I'm not from Chennai, but have stayed for the past 5 years. I think it's one of the most beautiful cities in India. Keep them coming. :)
Rohan
Daily Humor
well done on reaching 100 - mine today was #835 - seasons change and you can shoot the same scene from different angles - doing this makes one much more aware of one's surroundings.
Congratulations on your 100th post milestone.
Just started visiting your blog. I have visited Chennai only twice, and loved the meal on banana leaf, at my host's home and also in a restaurant.
Keep going.
I had my hunderedthe a coiple of weeks ago. Congratulations. you could take 100 photos of the smae biulding and it would look different each time. Here's to the next 100
>> Ottayan>> Thank you!
>> Rohan>> Good to hear your comments, especially because Chennai has grown on you! Thanks for stopping by and for the comment!
>> Gerald>> Thank you! Yes, it does make one more observant!!
>> Anu>> Thank you - both for dropping by and for the good wishes! Must confess I've only been a sporadic visitor to your blog :)
>> Babooshka>> Thank you! I do remember your 100th - meaning, I remember the photo and the meaning of the word... but the word itself escapes me... it was the opposite of xenophobia, what is it, now...?!
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