Two roads merged in the urban jungle that was Madras, and offered adolescent memories to cherish. Opposite Rajarathinam Stadium on Marshalls Road, now known as Rukmani Lakshmipathy Salai, Montieth Lane and Montieth Road started out as distinct entities before linking up to meet Pantheon Road at the other end of the spectrum. In the Madras of the past, well before malls and multiplexes sprung across as oases of distractions, hangout spots for teenagers were few and far between.
But the three Ms existed: Marina Beach, Montieth Road and Mahabs, as Mahabalipuram is popularly known then and now. There was a lovely feel to Montieth Road. If the lane going by the same name was more residential with a few high-rises, the road was a blend of commercial hot spots and apartments. Alsa Mall, Cisons Complex or Fountain Plaza on the nearby Pantheon Road drew the youngsters.
