What plagues Pune’s cultural halls: Infra, parking woes – and swarms of mosquitoes

Getting bitten by mosquitoes is just a part of the price many people pay to watch some of the stellar productions that come to Bal Gandharva. The other issues include unclean washrooms and faulty chairs that suddenly fold in.

On Thursday, the Rang Mandir was among the halls identified by the district guardian minister Chandrakantada Patil while directing the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) to seek suggestions from citizens and artists, and renovate theatres in the city before August-end. (Express)

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At the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, one of Pune’s landmark theatres, members of the audience attending a children’s play, “Jungle Book”, a few weeks ago suddenly became aware of an irritating buzz around their chairs. Mosquitoes by the dozen were swarming in the hall. A woman who was attending the show had bought a Rs 200 ticket but left midway due to the mosquitoes.

Getting bitten by mosquitoes is just a part of the price many people pay to watch some of the stellar productions that come to Bal Gandharva. The other issues include unclean washrooms and faulty chairs that suddenly fold in.

Omkar Kinkar, an actor who has performed at prestigious venues such as Prithvi Theatre in Mumbai, said, “Cleanliness is a major issue in Bal Gandharva. In the past, we have faced problems regarding improper changing rooms as well. Women artists have had a hard time in terms of changing rooms and washrooms. Changing room and make-up room are integral for plays.” Kinkar has also performed at the Bharat Rang Mahotsav, which is conducted by the National School of Drama in Delhi and is one of Asia’s biggest theatre events.

Patil also called for air-conditioning to be installed at Shree Ganesh Kala Krida Manch, ramp work at Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Kalamandir to be done quickly, repair work at Annabhau Sathe Theater and speedy completion of work on the new building of Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha.

When contacted, Vijay Shinde, Administration Officer, Cultural Centre of PMC, which operates the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, said the menace of mosquitoes is due to the river running near the hall. Every time the back gates are opened to allow properties and people to enter, a swarm of mosquitoes also flies into the auditorium.

When contacted, Vijay Shinde, Administration Officer, Cultural Centre of PMC, which operates the Bal Gandharva Rang Mandir, said the menace of mosquitoes is due to the river running near the hall.

“We carry out pest control spraying every few days but the problem with the mosquitoes persists,” he said. As for the sanitation issues, the PMC is working to modernise the water pipes, which are old and get clogged, so that audiences and artistes will, eventually, have a cleaner experience.

At Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha in Kothrud, watching a play in summer becomes a challenge because, at full capacity, the hall is unable to keep audiences cool due to weak air-conditioning. There have been instances of audience members raising their voices in protest over the failing air-conditioning in a hall that charges Rs 300 to Rs 500 per ticket. A senior official of Yashwantrao Chavan Natyagruha said that “tenders have been issued for new air-conditioning”.

Another popular hall is also a part of the city’s history. Bharat Natya Sanshodhan Mandir, established in 1894 by a group of students led by Dattatray Atmaram Phatak, hosts one of the most prestigious competitions in Maharashtra, Purshottam Karandak. It attracts a varied audience, with an estimated footfall of 400 to 500 per show. There is, however, no parking space in or around the auditorium.

Mukund Khamkar, manager of Bharat Natya Mandir, said, “We make it clear that we do not provide any parking space as we do not have enough space inside the premises. Vehicles must be parked on both sides of the road or near Tilak Smarak Mandir if people want to visit the theatre. We have also cut the old tree right outside the gate to prevent it from hurting people in case the tree breaks.”

However, Sanjeev Atawane, who lives next to the theatre, said, “We take pride in the Mandir, but there is no parking facility. People park their vehicles on both sides of the road. Due to the rush, the locals and the audience often argue. We have complained to the RTO and police, but the situation remains the same. We support the drama and students, but something needs to be done about parking issues.”

At the same time, the city has seen a rise in alternative venues such as The Box in Erandwane, which hosts some of the most cutting-edge plays at present, such as Mumbai-based Atul Kumar’s “Aaeen” and Pune-based Atul Pethe’s “Malpractice and The Show”.