PUNE : Being an iconic venue for cultural events, plays and art, the Balgandharva Rangmandir continues to remain in bad shape since past many years. Interestingly, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has earmarked Rs 10 crore for its redevelopment project in 2017-18. The same has been carried forward this year i.e. 2018-19. However, the work is yet to see the light of the day.
Located at Jangli Maharaj (JM) Road, the hall has staged numerous functions and plays in the last 51 years since it was inaugurated in 1968. The theatre is the brainchild of noted humorist PL Deshpande, and since then the auditorium has become a hub of city’s cultural activity.
After the first spell of rain in June this year, the roof of the art gallery at Balgandharva Rangmandir has developed leakage. Sakal Times photographer clicked pictures of the same. When contacted, the manager of the theatre, Sunil Mate, denied the reports and claimed that the roof was in good shape. Mate added that no shows have been cancelled for any reason.
Last year, the cultural groups in the city had raised an objection and had demanded that the PMC should take their views into consideration before commencing with any redevelopment. But theatre artists say that their views are not yet being taken into consideration.
Sushma Deshpande, an actress and playwright, said, “Any municipal corporation that builds a theatre does not necessarily maintain it. The recently built Annabhau Sathe auditorium situated at Bibvewadi is also not in good condition. Balgandharva Rangmandir goes through restoration work every year, yet it remains in bad shape. This indicates corruption in the entire system.”
“It has been more than 20 years now that I haven’t heard good things about Balgandharva Rangmandir from any artist or theatre group. During any general meet with the artist or theatre group they keep complaining about the pathetic condition of restrooms or the whole theatre,” she added.
Deshpande also mentioned that recently she was invited by a theatre artist to watch the play, but she refused to go to Balgandharva Rangmandir because of its worse situation.
Ashwini Giri, a theatre artist, said, “Being an artist in the industry from last several years, we have no clue about what will be happening after the renovation. Even after demanding to consider our suggestion, the PMC has not approached us or any theatre groups that I am associated with.”
“Balgandharva Rangmandir is the oldest theatre, therefore, theatre artists will come and present their talent and the theatre lovers will come and watch the shows no matter what the conditions are,” Giri added.
Mayor Mukta Tilak said, “The redevelopment work of Balgandharva Rangmandir will soon begin. Until then, temporary repair work will be carried out. We have not reached the final stage to draft any design for the redevelopment. Therefore, the recommendations of the theatre artists will be taken before finalising the plan.”