135-Year-Old Hotel Where ‘Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band Ho’ Was Shot Closes Forever

National News: A silent chapter has closed in the heart of Gulmarg. The legendary Nedous Hotel, a treasured part of Kashmir's past, has officially shut down. Once a symbol of elegance, politics, romance, and cinematic charm, the hotel now stands empty—handed over to the government after a final eviction notice issued by the Gulmarg Development Authority (GDA). With this, a 135-year-old legacy is now part of history.

Born in 1888 – The First of Its Kind in Kashmir

Founded in the late 19th century by Michael Adam Nedou, a British entrepreneur, Nedou's Hotel was the first-ever hotel in Kashmir. Tucked among Gulmarg’s snowy pines and alpine slopes, its design—built largely from wood—reflected both colonial finesse and Himalayan warmth. Over time, it transformed from just a resting place into a landmark deeply woven into the story of Kashmir’s tourism.

When the Powerful Slept Under Its Roof

Throughout the 20th century, Nedous became a preferred stay for influential leaders and royals. India’s first Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, British officials Lord and Lady Mountbatten, and Maharajas from across princely India were among its guests. Soviet leader Nikita Khrushchev also visited. During the chaos of 1947, foreign correspondents filed reports on the Kashmir conflict from its very halls—turning it into an unexpected newsroom in the middle of political turmoil.

From Romance to Reel: Bollywood's Mountain Muse

In 1973, Raj Kapoor’s film Bobby immortalized the hotel’s interiors with the hit song “Hum Tum Ek Kamre Mein Band ”Ho”—shooting romantic scenes that made the place a nationwide favorite. After that, many filmmakers followed, drawn by the hotel's vintage charm and natural beauty. It wasn't just a hotel; it became Bollywood’s secret muse.

Ties That Go Beyond Tourism

The Nedou family’s story blends into Kashmir’s political roots. Akbar Jehan, granddaughter of hotel founder Michael Nedou and daughter of Harry Nedou (later Ghulam Qadir), married Sheikh Abdullah, a towering political figure in the region’s history. This marriage connected the Nedous legacy directly to the political heartbeat of Jammu and Kashmir.

A Lease Dispute That Led to Curtains Down

The property was under a 99-year lease, which ended in 2015. The Nedou family requested an extension, but it was denied. Legal proceedings followed, reaching the Supreme Court, which ultimately ruled in favor of the state. With that decision, the hotel’s control was officially transferred to the government.

What Will the Future Hold?

Now that it stands in state hands, questions remain—will this architectural relic be turned into a heritage site, a modern hotel, or simply replaced? No official announcement has been made yet. What’s certain, however, is that Kashmir has lost one of its oldest hospitality icons—a place that saw history unfold from its wooden corridors and misty windows.

The Echo Will Remain

Even as its lights are turned off and its keys handed over, Nedous Hotel remains alive in countless memories—etched into black-and-white photographs, Bollywood scenes, handwritten travel diaries, and political conversations. Though its doors may no longer open for guests, its story will be told for generations.