Call for govt action to restore iconic theatre in Cuttack

Time of India

19-07-2025

Bhubaneswar: Once the cultural heartbeat of Cuttack, the Janata Ranga Manch now stands silent and crumbling — a shadow of its vibrant past. More than two decades after the 1999 Super Cyclone left it in ruins, the iconic theatre in Banka Bazar continues to languish in neglect.
Now, in a renewed push to save this landmark of Odisha's theatrical legacy, The Indian National Trust for Art and Cultural Heritage (INTACH) and the Manch's members have urged the state govt to step in before it's too late.
Underlining the cultural and historical significance of the 72-year-old institution, INTACH's state convener, Biswajit Mohanty, said, "Janata Ranga Manch was not just a theatre but a symbol of Odisha's rich performing arts tradition.
Its current condition is heartbreaking." He added that INTACH would send a formal request to the govt to declare Janata Ranga Manch a 'heritage site' and urge the preparation of a comprehensive restoration and development plan.
Cuttack Mayor Subash Singh said, "Janata Ranga Manch is an iconic heritage site and must be preserved. The Cuttack Municipal Corporation has already submitted a proposal for its revival to the state govst and is awaiting approval and financial allocation."
Established in 1953, Janata Ranga Manch served as a vital platform for staging plays by renowned playwrights and nurturing the theatre movement in Odisha. For over five decades, it hosted regular performances and was once considered the cultural heartbeat of the city. After being severely damaged in the Super Cyclone, the theatre has operated from a makeshift venue. Despite the challenges, its members continue to keep the spirit of Odia theatre alive.
"Janata Ranga Manch was once the pride of Cuttack. All steps must be taken to declare it a heritage institution," said Deepak Samantray, co-convener of INTACH's Cuttack chapter. Echoing his sentiments, theatre activist Indrajit Ghosh said, "This institution has been the bedrock of theatre in the state. It deserves heritage status to honour its lasting contribution to the arts."
Dr Ananga Dwivedi, advisor to the Manch, recalled that Union railway minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during his tenure as the collector of Cuttack, visited the site and suggested developing an 'Adarsh Natya Sanghralaya' (model theatre museum) for its revival.
"It is high time the state govt considered setting up the proposed museum," he said.
Heritage activist Anil Dhir of INTACH said the organisation would submit a collective appeal to the govt urging immediate intervention. "This theatre is a living archive of Odia drama since 1953. Without timely action, we risk losing a vital cultural institution forever," he said.