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Time of India

Natyagruha restoration misses 1-year deadline; set to reopen in few months

1 2 3 Kolhapur: It has been a year since a major fire tragedy reduced the Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha and Rajarshi Shahu Kusti Maidan to ashes. However, although restoration work soon began and is still under way, heavy rain and technical difficulties have presented limitations and the reopening of the theatre will take a few more months. Soon after the fire, Kolhapur Municipal Corporation (KMC), state govt, public representatives, and theatre lovers became resolute to rebuild the theatre as its orginal form within a year. State govt released Rs25 crore for the reconstruction. The theatre's design was finalised collectively by govt, municipal bodies, heritage committees, artists and public representatives. KMC city engineer Ramesh Maskar said: "It has been only 10 months since the work on the theatre began. In the first phase strengthening of walls, laying tiles, waterproofing and roofing was completed. 40% of the work was done the second phase, including backstage, footing, art gallery makeup room, green room and brickwork construction, including columns, has been completed. In its phase three, a work order has been issued. " To break down the work done so far, in phase one a tender worth Rs7.35 crore was published on Oct 3, 2024. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Access all TV channels anywhere, anytime Techno Mag Learn More Undo The tender of the lowest bidder, Lakshmi Hericon Pvt. Ltd, Mumbai, was approved, and a work order was given to them on Oct 14, 2024. In phase two, administrative approval was given on Feb 6, 2025, for the proposal of Rs3.2 crore for the green room and necessary works. In phase three, the proposal of Rs11.77 crore for interior, acoustics, electrification, and ancillary work was approved by the district collector on April 8, 2025. "The theatre uses cutting-edge technology and systems. Therefore, only those who have experience in maintaining and handling technology should handle them. After the work is completed, the maintenance and repair work will be done by a private organisation," said Maskar. On the night of Aug 8, 2024, the KMC-run theatre complex was gutted in the fire. Since then, the day is considered as a black day in the history of theatre in Kolhapur. The Natyagruha was built in 1915 by Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj and is named after legendary theatre artist Sangeet Surya Keshavrao Bhosale. Incidentally, the night of the fire marked the eve of Bhosale's 134th birth anniversary. Production manager Milind Ashtekar said: "I have spent my life on the theatre premises. I have seen the renovation of Natyagruha three times, and I also had the misfortune of seeing it getting gutted last year. Although this wound will never heal, I am satisfied that the heritage Natyagruha is being restored to its original form once again." The approved grant so far is Rs 25.1 crore, of which Rs22.3 crore has been planned, and the remaining Rs2.8 crore has been proposed for the reconstruction of the embankment of Rajarshi Shahu Khasbag Maidan. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.