Shinde promises 20cr to restore gutted Keshavrao Natyagruha

Kolhapur: Chief minister Eknath Shinde visited Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha in Kolhapur on Saturday and assured funds of Rs 20 crore for rebuilding the historical theatre on a war-footing.
He said that reconstruction of the theatre would be a real tribute to legendary theatre artist Keshavrao Bhosale. A major fire gutted the theatre on Thursday night, bringing the curtains down on a century-old cultural legacy in Kolhapur.
Speaking to newspersons after inspecting the natyagruh and Chhatrapati Shahu Khasbag maidan, Shinde said, “This is an unfortunate incident that took place on the eve of Keshavrao Bhosale's birth anniversary on August 8 in which the historical theatre was gutted in fire.Rajarshi Chhatrapati Shahu Maharaj had built this theatre and adjoining Shahu Khasbag maidan after his visit to Rome.”
Shinde added that it is a 109-year-old heritage building and even today, its structure is such that this can't be built again. Several artists and architects met me are coming forward with the demand that this theatre should be rebuilt. Every Marathi actor has performed his or her art at this theatre.
A high-level enquiry has been ordered. The forensic team and technicians have visited the theatre, and the police are also conducting an enquiry into the incident. The KMC administrator and collector had informed that the theatre was insured for Rs 5 crore and it is estimated that Rs 25 crore will be required to rebuild it. The govt will give Rs 20 crore to rebuild this historical theatre on a war-footing to restore its glory and this will be a real tribute to Keshavrao Bhosale,” the chief minister said. Meanwhile, a forensic inspection of the gutted theatre was carried out as per the demand of the police department.
MP Shahu Chhatrapati
calls for meeting
Meanwhile, Kolhapur Lok Sabha MP Shahu Chhatrapati has called a meeting on August 12 at 11 am at the Govt Rest House in Kolhapur regarding discussion over reconstruction of Keshavrao Bhosale Natyagruha. Senior members of all parties, including former MPs, former MLAs, senior govt officials, former mayors, stage actors, historians, and officials of Talim Sangh have been invited to the meeting.
Show must go on - ‘Mi
Keshavrao’ performed
Theatre artists from across the state have expressed shock over the loss of the venue. Artists have resolved to restore the theatre to its glory days. On Saturday, a theatre skit over 'Mi Keshavrao' was performed at Shahu Smarak Bhawan to pay tributes to him on his 134th birth anniversary observed on August 9. Film and TV serial actor Anand Kale performed the role of 'Keshavrao Bhosale' in an act. Earlier on Friday evening, a musical event on 'Vedh Eka Sangeetsurya cha' organised by the cultural affairs ministry was held at the same venue in which songs sung by Keshavrao were presented.)