A Colonial‑Era Mumbai Club Stirs Controversy Over Membership Fees and History

When the word "Gymkhana" starts popping up in Mumbai headlines, it usually drags along a whole lot of nostalgia, politics and, inevitably, a dash of controversy. This time, however, another old‑world institution has been thrust into the limelight – a private club that has been operating for more than a century, yet remains a close‑knit circle of Europeans only.

What makes the story even juicier is its link to a name most Indians recognize: Shashi Tharoor. Back in the 1960s, when the country was still shaking off the shackles of colonial rule, the club’s governing committee decided to expel the then‑young politician for, as records suggest, “behaving in a manner unbecoming of a member.” The decision, though buried in dusty minutes of a meeting, has resurfaced now because of the larger Gymkhana row that has been simmering for months.

Fast forward to today, and the same club is making headlines for a very different reason – its membership fees. Reports indicate that the annual cost to sit in the plush lounge can run into crores of rupees, a figure that would make most of us clutch our throats. While the club’s charter claims that the high fees are meant to preserve its heritage and maintain the exclusivity that members cherish, critics argue it is nothing short of elitism dressed up in a historic veneer.

Residents and social commentators have started asking pointed questions: Why should a club that still restricts entry based on ethnicity continue to enjoy tax exemptions and prime real‑estate locations? Why does the city allow such an institution to thrive while ordinary citizens struggle with skyrocketing living costs?

The broader Gymkhana debate, which revolves around the transformation of once‑exclusive sports and recreation spaces into public facilities, has added fuel to the fire. Activists claim that these clubs, originally built for colonial officers, should either open their doors wider or surrender their privileges altogether. The European‑only club, with its storied past and hefty price tag, now finds itself in the cross‑hairs of that very argument.

Some members, who prefer to stay anonymous, say the club is simply a “home away from home” – a place where they can sip tea, discuss business and reminisce about a bygone era without the hustle of the city. They point out that the club employs a sizable local staff, contributes to charitable causes, and even hosts cultural events that are open to the public on certain days.

Nevertheless, the narrative is hard to ignore: a place that once expelled a future Minister of State for the Indian diaspora now charges staggering sums for entry, all while maintaining a European‑only membership policy. Whether the club will adapt to the changing expectations of a modern, inclusive Mumbai remains to be seen.

What is clear, though, is that the conversation around heritage versus accessibility is not going away anytime soon. As the Gymkhana row continues to unfold, this old‑world club might just become the next flashpoint in a larger debate about who gets to enjoy Mumbai’s most coveted spaces.