Not very long back, there was a broad street in Kolkata that could flex its muscles alongside Champs- Elysees and Madison Avenue. Stop. Don’t roll your eyes. Believe when we tell you that it was none other than our very own Park Street. The time was the 50s- 70s, when the entire world was being swept off its feet by social and cultural influences. Kolkata, forever the nerve centre of cultural sensibilities, was no different, and the essence of it distilled perfectly in Park Street with its classy, expressive, devil-may-care attitude.
The ‘retro’ (for lack of a more apt word) Park Street was one long avenue lined with fine restaurants and tea shops, jewellery boutiques, world-class salons, chic stores, and art galleries housing awe-inspiring art. The legendary restaurants hosted both acclaimed musicians as well as talented newcomers who entertained the diners with their mesmerising performances.
Exquisitely dressed men and women walked up and down Park Street through the day and well into the evening, shopping, having food and drinks, enjoying the great live music and dance. It was a place of dreamy indulgence and absolute pampering. It was a place you went to when you wanted to have the time of your life. It spelt luxury lifestyle even before the magazines made it a topic of discussion. Park Street never disappointed.
Says a Gen Xer, born and bred in the city,” Persons from a certain stratum of society descended on Kolkata from across the country on weekends. Their itinerary saw them living it up at a Park Street restaurant on Friday night, at some lush golf course playing the game on Saturday morning, dinner and socialising once again on Park Street through Saturday evening before flying back to their respective destinations on Sunday morning.” Ah, to imagine this edit of covetable luxury and glamour, and to think this was right here in Kolkata!
Mr. Calvert, senior member of the Anglo-Indian community in Kolkata and well-versed with the Park Street in its days of glory adds,” The avenue has been an iconic musical hub of the city for decades. Numerous renowned musicians and bands who performed here have left their indelible mark on the city’s musical history.”
In the mid-20 th century, Park Street witnessed a thriving jazz and retro music scene. Home to iconic nightclubs and restaurants, it was where you thronged to for the best of jazz, swing, and other retro genres. Trincas, Moulin Rouge, Blue Fox and Mocambo were places where the talented men and women wove their music magic. Among those who made their mark with their performances in Park Street restaurants was the supernova, Usha Uthup. Some other famous and popular names in the music circuit include Tina Charles, Biddu, Benni Rozario, Louis Banks, Charlie Parker, Duke Ellington, Lew Hilt, Noel Martin – with the seniormost still making a rare occasional appearance.
In the 70s and 80s, Park Street saw a gradual shift towards rock and pop music in sync with international music trends. Newer bands and artists emerged along with newer performing genres.
Alongside the social and cultural winds that were blowing in the 70s, there were unmissable political winds too. The political regime of the day imposed certain policies that were detrimental to the entertainment and upscale F&B establishments. The insurgency of the Naxalite movement that started around the same time threw a cloud of distrust, uneasiness, and fear over the citizens of the happy-go-lucky city.
Park Street was affected adversely. Ultimately, the case of poor balance sheets and general unrest led to the closure of some outlets and downsizing of others along the street. The area lost its legendary alchemy to the upheaval.
But wait. Kolkata is famous for its resilience, having undergone many changes since formation. Park Street’s crown may have slipped a bit but it’s still firmly there. The area continues to be a popular haunt for youngsters as well as oldies looking for a beautiful trip down memory lane. The music scene in Park Street likewise has undergone many a transformation but is slowly making a comeback again, catering to a diverse range of musical genres. Retro and rock are still around, ably supported by classical, fusion, electronic, and Bollywood music. Newer venues, cafes and restaurants are encouraging live performances by musicians from Kolkata and across the country. The millennials are crowding to listen to them.
The founders (and brothers) of Chapter 2 who grew up in Kolkata savouring continental fare and great music resolved to carry both forward in their voguish restaurant off Southern Avenue. Chapter 2 is a nod to the thriving food, beverage, and music scene of Park Street of yesteryears. It is their personal tribute to the iconic fashionable street and its inimitable style, brought alive through Chapter 2’s décor, menu, and music.
