KUALA LUMPUR, Dec 2 (Bernama) — Behind the hustle and bustle of the lively Petaling Street, lies a forgotten narrow street brimming with culture and history. Back in the 60s and 70s, Madras Lane was known as the entertainment hub of downtown Kuala Lumpur thanks to the iconic Madras Theatre that featured everything from action-packed Chinese films to great westerns. While the theatre met with an unfortunate fire in 1979, the laneway continues to preserve their namesake, paying homage to the once legendary establishment. While all that lingers of the Madras Theatre is a memory, the area still remains popular for its delicious local street food and the wide variety of fresh produce available at the wet market.
As part of their greater Laneway Improvement Programme, Lorong Fest: A walk down Madras Lane breathed new life into Madras Lane with the launch of this latest initiative on Friday. The event is also a part of Think City’s 10th Anniversary Celebrations, a year-long calendar of project launches and events to mark a decade of community-led urban regeneration. The weekend-long celebration of local heritage offered authentic hawker fare, fun-filled activities, engaging workshops, and the opportunity to discover and explore the rich culture of Madras Lane.