The Dadar-Matunga-Mahim belt in Central Mumbai was fast developing into a locality of predominantly middle class residents. People from different walks of life, caught in the maelstrom of burgeoning metropolitan growth and a deep psychic need to revive and consolidate their cultural roots. As the cultural activity in the city was confined to distant suburbs and South Mumbai, the residents of Dadar-Matunga-Mahim belt found themselves in a sort of 'vacuum'. It was in such an environment that a few spirited social workers and connoisseurs of Hindustani classical music, led by a discerning music lover, the late Dr. S. Joshi came together and decided to start an institution devoted primarily to promoting Hindustani classical music and allied performing arts. An institution with a wide membership would foster in the residents of the area a healthy taste of clean wholesome entertainment. The Dadar Matunga Cultural Centre – then called Dadar Matunga Social Club – was founded in November 1953, with an initial membership of about 500 eminent men and women – ranging from office-goers to people from the medical, legal, engineering and other professions. Today, the Centre has a membership of over 1100 and over the years, has come to be regarded as a veritable beacon to lovers of Hindustani classical music and other cultural activities.
