Mumbai's insomniacs may be left sleepless

Recent newspaper reports have indicated that within the next six weeks, the hotel is all set to close down Insomnia to make space for an expanded retail section, to house top international brands encompassing fashion and lifestyle.
Insomnia takes up 5,000 sq feet of space in the heritage wing and provides easy access to the current shopping area via the poolside or through the corridor that connects the two buildings.
Munna Jhaveri, owner of the oldest shops at the Taj, says: "In Mumbai, the Taj would be the perfect place to house premium international brands." Hotel officials took pains to emphasise that no decision to close down Insomnia had been taken. "A closure''s not in sight, at least this summer," says Rajiv Kaul, VP, Mumbai Hotels and GM, Taj Mahal Palace and Towers. "Another option is to have a world renowned branded F & B outlet. Insomnia is doing well, but we can''t let the club''s previous success clamp growth."
Is the club indeed successful, despite having gained from the 1.30 am deadline for clubs outside of five star hotels? Says Kaul. "It has been a successful project. The recent tapering of its popularity is simply a characteristic feature in the life cycle of a nightclub."
Party goers are ambivalent. Says 23-year-old Alisha Diwan. "As long as they replace this one with a more happening concept, I have no problem." Mumbai''s party person Kishen Mulchandani, adds: "It''s no surprise if they shut Insomnia down to keep away teeny boppers and not to have a nightspot at all."