Maharashtra to get 75 new drama theatres : Sudhir Mungantiwar 

By: Pune Pulse

November 21, 2023

Pune: Sudhir Mungantiwar, Cultural Affairs Minister of Maharashtra stated that the Ravindra Natya Mandir in Mumbai is the only theater of the Department of Cultural Affairs. 

All other theaters in the state belong to local bodies. Therefore, the state government will build new theaters in 75 places. Mungantiwar also mentioned that the theaters of the local bodies will be renovated in the next two years.

Mungantiwar was speaking during the preliminary round of the 62nd State Amateur Marathi Drama Competition organized by the Directorate of Cultural Affairs of the State Government from Monday. He said that the increase in the prize money of the competition, increase in the remuneration of the examiners etc are also under consideration.

This year, a total of 23 teams will perform in the preliminary round at the Pune Centre and the competition will be held at the Bharat Natya Mandir in Sadashiv Peth. There will be an ensemble performance every day at 7 pm till December 14. However, the presentation will not be held on November 24 and November 26.

Last year, the management of Bharat Natya Mandir decided to double the electricity bill for lights. Organizers took the position that other theatres will be considered for the competition as theatre workers were being affected by this. However, other municipal theatres were not available for the long period required for the competition this year as well. So, once again the state drama competition will be held in the Bharat Natya Temple.

Shreyas Vange