Tharoor Expelled, Memberships Cost Crores: Inside Mumbai's Elite Clubs The Gymkhana Row Put Back In Spotlight
Tharoor Expelled, Memberships Cost Crores: Inside Mumbai's Elite Clubs The Gymkhana Row Put Back In Spotlight Published By, Last Updated: May 27, 2026, 10:59 IST
Tharoor Expelled, Memberships Cost Crores: Inside Mumbai's Elite Clubs The Gymkhana Row Put Back In Spotlight Published By, Last Updated: May 27, 2026, 10:59 IST A colonial club once accused of barring Indians now sits at the centre of a fresh debate on privilege and exclusivity, with memberships reportedly costing over Rs 1 crore! Rapid Read Membership at Breach Candy Club remains notoriously difficult to obtain. (Representative Image/AI Generated) As the Centre’s move to reclaim land occupied by the Delhi Gymkhana Club over alleged unpaid dues and land-use concerns sparks a wider debate around India’s elite social clubs, another institution from the colonial era – Breach Candy Club – has once again come under public scrutiny for its long history of exclusivity, European dominance and staggering membership costs. The conversation gained momentum after RPG Group Chairman Harsh Goenka remarked on X that while Mumbai often speaks of inclusivity and progress, Indians were once barred from becoming members at Breach Candy Club. He further claimed that even today, only Europeans residing in Mumbai are eligible to serve on the club’s Trust Committee, despite the land belonging to the Maharashtra government. The remarks arrived amid controversy surrounding the Delhi Gymkhana Club, which is facing eviction proceedings over alleged unpaid dues of Rs 47.58 crore and questions regarding the use of prime public land in Lutyens’ Delhi. A Colonial-Era Institution Built On Exclusivity Founded in 1878 as the Breach Candy Swimming Bath Trust, the club traces its roots to the opening of the Suez Canal. According to a report in Money Control, funds from the sale of a European travellers’ hostel in Aden were reportedly used to establish a saltwater swimming facility in Bombay, while the Secretary of State for India is said to have donated five acres of coastal land for the project.
Over time, the club evolved into one of South Mumbai’s most exclusive institutions, offering swimming pools, restaurants, tennis courts, a gymnasium, basketball and volleyball courts, and private recreational spaces. For decades, Indians were barred from membership. Historical accounts suggest that racial restrictions continued even after Independence. MP Shashi Tharoor has previously recalled being denied entry to the club’s swimming pool as a child because he was Indian. Reports indicate that the club’s exclusionary culture only began to change in the 1960s after outrage over the alleged denial of entry to a Black American diplomat. How Does One Get Membership At Breach Candy Club? Membership at Breach Candy Club remains notoriously difficult to obtain. Unlike modern clubs with transparent online applications, access is largely based on referrals, waiting lists and internal approvals. Applicants generally require recommendations from existing members, after which their names are placed on long waiting lists that can reportedly stretch for years, sometimes over a decade. In 2013, the club briefly reopened memberships after nearly 15 years. According to reports at the time, the joining fee stood at roughly Rs 1 crore, excluding taxes, pushing the total admission cost beyond Rs 1.12 crore. Annual maintenance charges were reported to be around Rs 15,000. The club has not publicly disclosed updated membership pricing in recent years, but industry estimates suggest the effective cost today could be substantially higher, depending on availability and transfer structures. Who Can Become A Member Of Breach Candy Club? Technically, Indian citizens can now become members, unlike during the colonial era. However, membership remains highly restricted and selective. Typically, applicants are drawn from Mumbai’s business families, industrial circles, professionals, old-money social networks and existing member referrals. Approval processes are believed to involve scrutiny by club committees and long waiting periods.
The controversy surrounding governance stems from allegations that only Europeans living in Mumbai are eligible to serve on the Trust Committee, a claim that resurfaced following Harsh Goenka’s remarks. Can Non-Members Visit The Breach Candy Club? Non-members generally cannot freely access the club’s facilities. However, guests are occasionally allowed if accompanied or by an existing member. In most elite Mumbai clubs, guest access usually involves Entry through a member invitation Guest registration at the reception or security desk Payment of guest charges for facilities such as dining, swimming or sports Restrictions on access during weekends, peak hours or club events Policies may vary depending on the occasion, reciprocal arrangements or temporary event permissions. Walk-in public access is typically not permitted. Mumbai’s Other Elite Clubs And Their Membership Systems Bombay Gymkhana Founded in 1875, Bombay Gymkhana is among India’s oldest sporting institutions and is closely associated with the history of Indian cricket. The club offers facilities ranging from tennis and swimming to rugby, squash and fine dining. Membership is considered highly aspirational and often involves long waiting periods and referrals from existing members. While official membership fees are not publicly listed, guest access is permitted for certain sports and dining facilities if accompanied by a member. The club also levies separate guest charges for sports facilities. Cricket Club Of India Better known as CCI, the Cricket Club of India remains one of Mumbai’s most prestigious private clubs and is located inside the iconic Brabourne Stadium complex. Membership is extremely selective and typically linked to old member networks, business families and sports circles. CCI is known for its extensive waiting lists, sponsorship requirements and premium transfer costs. Non-members may enter as guests if invited by members or during public sporting events hosted at the venue.
Khar Gymkhana is comparatively more accessible than South Mumbai’s ultra-exclusive clubs, though membership remains expensive and limited. The club is popular among suburban families for its sporting facilities, social events and community-oriented atmosphere. The club offers categories such as family, corporate and sports memberships, with waiting periods depending on availability. Guests are usually permitted if accompanied by members. Willingdon Sports Club Known for its expansive golf greens and sports infrastructure, Willingdon Sports Club is another prestigious institution in South Mumbai. Membership is highly sought-after and often passed through family networks or internal recommendations. Like other elite clubs, non-members can generally visit only as guests of existing members or during approved events and tournaments. The renewed attention on Breach Candy Club reflects a broader national debate about privilege, public land and exclusivity. Many of these clubs were established during the colonial era on government land and continue to operate through systems shaped by legacy networks, selective admissions and limited public access. News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 27, 2026, 10:59 IST News cities mumbai-news Tharoor Expelled, Memberships Cost Crores: Inside Mumbai's Elite Clubs The Gymkhana Row Put Back In Spotlight Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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