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This is an archive article published on June 7, 2013
Theatres New Address
Bharatratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Kalamandir,the first auditorium in Aundh,is a blend of design and culture
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Theatres New Address
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The residents of Aundh have been watching the yellow-and-blue edifice tower over them,slowly,for the last 10 years. Many were optimistic,some were sceptical,and the rest indifferent,as the one lakh sq ft of land took the shape of an Udyog Bhavan,shopping complex,offices,an art gallery and an auditorium. Now,however,they are exultant as the Bharatratna Pandit Bhimsen Joshi Kalamandir,the first auditorium in Aundh,was inaugurated earlier this week.
As we enter the steel-and-glass structure,our senses were assailed by the smell of fresh paint on the walls and the glossy varnish. Bolstered by state-of-the-art amenities,the auditorium can accommodate up to 650 people with around 525 in the dress circle and 125 in the balcony. The auditorium is done up in warm colours cream and gold and set off with deep vermillion velvet chairs.
Located near the bustling Bremen chowk,next to the police station,the Kalamandir,or the auditorium wing,is situated behind the Udyog Bhavan. Built on the land that was allotted by the PMC for a sports and cultural centre in Aundh,the auditorium was inaugurated by CM Prithviraj Chavan and Dy CM Ajit Pawar.
This project has faced many hurdles and most of them were the rising costs, says Dattayreya Gaikwad,ex mayor who had envisioned this project. All is well that ends well, he adds,happily.
Designed by noted architect Avinash Pundalik,the auditorium has a slick,modern design with plenty of property holding rooms,washrooms and greenrooms for the performers including two VIP greenrooms. There is ample parking space,with space for about 300 cars and 300 two-wheelers,in the basement. One of the impressive things about the venue is the state-of-the-art crane,situated at the backstage. This is to be used to lift elaborate sets for performances directly from the truck to the stage. This is arguably the only such crane-lift in Pune.
The first performances took place on June 3,with Pt Upendra Bhatt,Pt Bhimsen Joshis disciple,performing to a packed theatre. The theatre is now ready to host a variety of performances, says Nitin Udas,ward officer for Aundh.
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