IT all began with Jamshedji N Tata's dream to have a "Pearl of the Orient" in Mumbai (then Bombay) 100 years ago. It has played host to the high and the mighty, witnessed the birth of the Gateway of India, seen two world wars, done its bit for the country during its struggle for Independence and has served as one of Mumbai's most scintillating landmarks.

When Ratan Tata kicks off the Taj Mahal Hotel's 100^th birth anniversary celebrations on December 16 with puja and prayers, he will only be reiterating his forefathers' belief in the hotel's special bond with the city.

Initially called the Taj Mahal Palace Hotel, it threw open its gates to guests on December 16, 1903 with just 30 private suites-cum-apartments and four electric passenger lifts (which were largely unknown to Indian hotels then).

Interestingly, its original enterance and reception (where the poolside lounge stands today) later became the rear side of the hotel. An apocryphal story has it that the architect of the hotel leapt off its main dome into the sea when he realised that the hotel had been constructed back-to-front.

Neverthless, a picturesque waterfront, the sight of bobbling sailboats, a busy and bustling Apollo Bunder, Victoria carriages coming from Colaba's Wellington Mews-all added to the hotel's grandeur and charm.

It opened with just 17 guests on its registers, but over the years has played host to the likes of Pope John Paul, Queen Elizabeth, the Aga Khan and Shah of Iran.

Paying tribute to the Taj Mahal Hotel, a guest recorded in her memoir "…and often when on my couch I lie…in solitude, I remember it and sigh.

Its romantic ambience has inspired generations of poets, painters and artistes. During the World War II, it was converted into 600-bed hospital. In the 1940s the first governor general of independence India, Lord Mountbatten gave his inaugural speech to the leaders of Indian Industry here.

The hotel has seen history being cremated and has been a part of it. From Hollywood star Gregory Peck tot he pirouettes of Karim Zoska to ravishing model Cindy Crawford-it has seen them all.

The current ballroom was earlier the dining room, seating 300 guests.

Incidentally the hotel is launching two more trendy restaurants for the discerning client-'Souk' and 'Masala Craft'.

Zafar Hai has also made a film Taj Flame, recording its history on camera. Over the years the hotel has seen several renovations (last year a new lobby was added)

When asked about the activities lined up as part of 100 years celebrations, Senior-vice president (corporate communications) Ravi Dubey said: "We will come out with our plans soon after Mr Ratan Tata kicks off the birth anniversary celebrations on Monday. We are not revealing anything right now.