Inauguration of World’s First Cinema Suite at 51 Buckingham Gate by ‘Megastar’ Chiranjeevi

51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites and Residences, London unveiled its new Cinema Suite created by acclaimed Indian designer Sabyasachi Mukherjee. The first visitor was newly appointed Indian Tourist Minister and ‘megastar’ cinema actor Dr K Chiranjeevi. The style of Sabyasachi is known to the Minister as he remarked that his wife was a fan of his work. Dr Chiranjeevi was given a private tour of the suite by the designer who pointed out all the influences and intricate details of the art work and precious cinema-related artefacts.

Sabyasachi Mukherjee with Dr K Chiranjeevi at Taj Cinema Suite

Sabyasachi shows Dr K Chiranjeevi the Taj Cinema Suite

Dr Chiranjeevi sat for a few minutes on the comfortable Chesterfield to enjoy the full cinematic experience before cutting the ribbon to officially inaugurate the Cinema Suite. The Minister was charming, warm and funny and took a great interest in the posters and design touches of the suite. The Cinema Suite rents for £5,100 per night.

Dr K Chiranjeevi cuts the ribbon of the Cinema Suite at 51 Buckingham Gate, Taj Suites

At once a journey through world cinema and an ode to tradition, the 1,832 ft.² two bedroom suite, with dining room, study, powder in the kitchen, has been designed in tribute to the history of film and takes inspiration from motion pictures across the globe. Aptly, the Cinema Suite opens just ahead of celebrations marking 100 years of Indian films in 1913.

Taj 51 Buckingham Gate Cinema Suite by

The Suite is inspired most notably by 1940’s and 1950’s Hollywood, as well as the Indian cinema era of the 1950s.

Cinema Suite Guest Throne Room at 51 Buckingham Gate

Guests will find reference to masters such as Ray, Francis Ford Coppola and Bergman in the imposing study, world cinema leaders like Majidi, Wong Kar-Wai and Almodovar amongst the cultured kitsch of the sitting room and echoes of The Stepford Wives in the kitchen in the 50s toaster and kettle.

Apocalypse Now Original Film Poster signed by Francis Ford Coppola

They will sense the golden Hollywood era of Rita Hayworth and Marilyn Monroe in one bedroom whilst the other drawers on colonial inspiration and renowned Indian artists such as Guru Dutt and Merchant Ivory and Bimal Roy.

Do Bigha Zamin (meaning two acres of land) is 1953 Hindi film, directed by Bengali film director Bimal Roy and star Balraj Sahni and Nirupa Roy in lead roles. The film is known for its socialist theme, and is an important film in the early parallel cinema of India and is rightly considered a trend setter.

The suite is a celebration of personalised detail and global culture. Visitors will marvel at breathtaking rare Hollywood film prints, remarkable history books, vintage mirrors and a myriad of portraits and drawings.  From the leather Chesterfield to precious glassware, intriguing art and antique rugs, world arts and crafts are displayed throughout.  Each wall is a work of art in itself with striking Nina Campbell wallpapers in burnt orange, black and red, laden with curios collected from over 32 different cultures.  Sumptuous silk drapery  meets magnificent oak flooring sourced by Vascroft Contractors. Priceless antique furniture displays ornaments such as rare Chinese porcelain, Bhutanese frames and 1920’s embroidered Indian lamps.

Taj London Cinema Suite – 85 inch Screen

The Cinema Suite is an urban cocoon featuring cutting-edge technology which perfectly blends in with the glamorous design. The 85 inch plasma cinema screen, with the 3D state-of-the-art home theatre system, is one of the biggest private screens in any London hotel suite. It is assisted by a world-class Steinway Lyngdorf cinema system – a fully immersive cinematic experience and raises the bar in terms of in-hotel audio-visual offerings. The system has been preloaded with a repertoire of 300 international motion pictures, books and music, chosen by Sabyasachi himself to acknowledge that time is well spent amongst films, art and culture.

Whilst utterly different in style, the Cinema Suite is the second designer collaboration with 51 Buckingham Gate following the launch of the world’s first Jaguar Suite which was conceived by Jaguar Design Director, Ian Callum and opened at the hotel in autumn 2011.

After the inauguration Dr Chiranjeevi was shown the Taj Hotel’s limousine service provided by Lord Cars who supply over 30 vintage and classic cars for hotel guests. The Minister was photographed at the car with officials from Incredible India, the Indian Tourist Authority, and Dr. Chiranjeevi joked to his team they were teaching him administration and he would teach them how to pose properly for the cameras.

Dr Chiranjeevi with the ‘Silver Baroness’ – seven seat Daimler Limousine from Lord Cars – limo service for Taj Suites 51 Buckingham Gate

Dr K Chiranjeevi  ‘Megastar’ and journalist @alangreenhalgh

Dr Chiranjeevi and Alan Greenhalgh Photo by Andrew H Williams