Genelia Feels Bad as Hyderabad’s Iconic Hotel Faces Demolition

Hyderabad’s first luxury hotel, Taj Banjara, located in Banjara Hills, is being demolished. This marks the end of a major era in the city’s hospitality landscape.

The Greater Hyderabad Municipal Corporation (GHMC) sealed the hotel in 2025 due to pending property tax dues of Rs 1.43 crore for two years. However, the hotel stopped its operations in 2023. The demolition process has officially begun; Workers are currently removing doors, windows, wood hardware and other reusable materials.

Spread across 3.4 acres overlooking Banjara Lake, Taj Banjara was among the oldest luxury landmarks in Hyderabad. The resort was initially managed by the ITC Group until 1986, after which the business was taken over by Taj GVK Hotels, which operated the property for nearly four decades. The hotel closed its doors in 2023 after the lease expired.

Actress Genelia D’Souza expressed her grief over the news of the demolition. Sharing a newspaper clipping on her social media, she wrote: “It’s the end of an era for Hyderabad! The iconic Taj Banjara is officially being demolished. My home for many years to come.”

Genelia was recently seen in the movie Raja Shivaji, which was co-written and directed by her husband Riteish Deshmukh.