For Malad-based Ranjeet Kumar Gupta, Bollywood has always been his first love. The former export executive — and self-proclaimed filmy ‘keeda’ or die-hard enthusiast — used to save up to visit Samrat, a single-screen theatre in Goregaon, to watch the latest release as a child. Tickets were priced between Rs 2.25 and Rs 4.25 then and even though it would burn a hole in his pocket, he claims to have watched almost every Hindi film. 

He never seriously thought about converting that long-time passion into a full-time business until 10 years ago. During one of the many visits to Chor Bazaar with his export clients, he noticed the potential in antiques and wondered if he could try the concept with Bollywood magazines and posters. At a time when he wasn’t earning enough, this became a catalyst for him to switch gears in life, after having worked for 15 years in various jobs.


In his collection, Ranjeet Gupta has old issues of Bollywood magazines such as Madhuri, Filmfare, Cineblitz and Stardust among others. Photo Courtesy: Ranjeet Gupta 
 
The numbers game
Today, with some 4,500-5,000 film magazines already in his collection, there is no stopping him from continuing what he does for the rest of his life. “My collection has vintage magazines from the 1930s onwards. It includes Sound, Talkie Herald, Film India, Filmfare, Screen, Madhuri, Sushma, Picturepost, Stardust, Cineblitz, Star & Style, Mayapuri and more,” Gupta explains proudly.

The Bollywood fan informs that even the silent era, starting from ‘Raja Harischandra’ which is considered the first full-length feature film, had magazines. “Since 1935, we have had regular magazines such as Talkie Herald, Sound, Film Land and Film India which used to be published for public entertainment.” The Mumbaikar doesn’t only collect rare vintage magazines but posters and movie tickets too.