Oasis of peace in an overgrown city

Oasis of peace in an overgrown city
The Times of India

Bangalore: When they were young, they could get 16 dosas for a rupee or a movie ticket for Rs 1.50. Even two annas went a long, long way then.

For that matter, Leela Mascarenhas (now Leela Pramod) and her siblings — Nirmala, Francis and Amitha — grew up in a city that had mostly cycles and horse-drawn carriages but only a few cars. Roads and drains were spic and span, Brigade Road was a two-way, and Bangalore had many bungalows like their well-preserved home on Rest House Crescent road.

The family acquired this beautiful bungalow in 1947. “Our grandfather L P Mascarenhas and father B P Mascarenhas oversaw its purchase from a defence services man for Rs 37,500,’’ says Leela.

The bungalow was considered most ‘modern’ with its airy and Mangaloretiled rooms and attached toilets, and the main hall with its high-ceilinged (21 feet high) Madrastiled roof.

Their neighbours were Britishers and Anglo Indians then. “Mother died young so father brought us up. He was very strict. Our friends would come to play but the minute they heard dad’s car horn (he owned an Austin), they’d all jump over the wall and run away!’’ recalls Leela.

Behind the bungalow, the family had cows (they sold 50 litres a day to a restaurant on South Parade, now MG Road), poultry, dogs, sheep, lovebirds, a rabbit and a parrot.

The Mascarenhas’ kids would borrow cycles (two annas for a day) and pedal across the city, or they’d go to Popats, a samosa-and-chat place run by a South African. During Christmas, they’d dress up as shepherds to go carol singing from house to house. Or, they’d watch English movies at B R V Theatre (now a defence services canteen) or Opera, Liberty or Imperial — movie houses that no longer exist. Nirmala says the city grew slowly then. “Bangalore was so uncrowded, travelling to the airport took only seven minutes!’’

Now, the siblings have families of their own. Leela lives in a modern building at the rear of the bungalow. Francis and his father live in the original building. But the city has changed beyond recognition. “Our friends on this road are moving away or selling their bungalows,’’ says Nirmala.

The Mascarenhas family is still here and often, they sit under a little golga (a round patio) near the bungalow for sunny tea times. Leela says the bungalow has kept them together. “We siblings are lucky, we’ve known the old way of life. Our children never can.’’