At the National Film Archive of India (NFAI) campus in Pune, the eighty-year-old Jayakar Bungalow stands magnificently, as if untouched by time. Built in the Tudor architectural style by renowned jurist and educationist Dr Mukund Ramrao Jayakar, the first vice-chancellor of Pune University, in 1940, the Grade I heritage structure was recently restored to its original glory. The project, which began in 2016, and cost around Rs 3.5 crore, was completed earlier this month. The restored building will now house a digital film library, where researchers can access the NFAI's rich database, which includes posters, scripts, screenplays, magazine, among other things. The bungalow will also have a personalised viewing space.

A rich history

The two-storey structure, boasts of elaborate stone masonry, gable roof, wooden flooring and a narrow staircase, all typical of British architecture. Over the years, the 7,000 sqft Jayakar Bungalow has exchanged several hands. Originally, home to barrister Jayakar, who lived here from 1947 to 1956, it later functioned as the premises of the Indian Law Society, before it was acquired by the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII). It served as the residence of former FTII head Jagat Murari, and was later used as a women's hostel. Actors Rehana Sultan, Shabana Azmi, Neeta Mehta, Jaya Bhaduri (Bachchan), all former students of FTII, have lived here, at some point in time. The shed next to the bungalow functioned as a screening theatre, until 1991. However, due to its poor upkeep and maintenance, the theatre had to be shifted to a new premises.