Hot property

Tarapore Towers, where Mount Road forks off towards Chindadiripet, is a building that has a reasonably fascinating history. But even then, it really couldn't compete for public interest, all of which was usually centered on the LIC building, hardly a kilometre away to the south, on Mount Road itself. That was how it was, until the building hosted this large sign on its terrace.

If I remember right, this was the first public LED display that came up in Chennai, over 25 years ago. And even if I remember wrong, this is certainly the one that has survived for the longest time! It normally shows the time and the temperature, sandwiched by advertisements - most of which are for MRF, a Chennai-based tyre manufacturer.

Thanks to the sign, the Tarapore Towers has claimed its rightful place as a Chennai landmark; and yes, the city is that hot at about 4 o'clock in the afternoon!