Bhopal: Call for Revival of Rangmandal Theatre After 24 Years

Bharat Bhavan in Bhopal has been honoring theatre legend BV Karanth through an annual festival called Aadaranjali for about 20 years. Despite this tribute, the theatre repertory Rangmandal, founded by Karanth, has been inactive since 2000. Karanth served as the founder-director from 1981 to 1986, and his disciples, including art director Jayant Deshmukh, have expressed deep concern over the lack of activity and recognition for Rangmandal. Deshmukh emphasized that reviving the repertory would be a true homage to Karanth. The call for revival has gained momentum, with theatre artists from across India advocating for the restoration of Rangmandal. They argue that Bharat Bhavan should not limit its artistic outreach to local or national levels but should aspire to be an international center of excellence in the arts. The absence of Rangmandal has been felt by many who contributed to its legacy, and they believe that the government has the power to facilitate its revival. In February 2022, the then culture minister Usha Thakur announced plans for the revival of Rangmandal during Bharat Bhavan's 40th Foundation Day. The chief administrative officer, Prem Shankar Shukla, confirmed that the revival process was underway. This initiative is seen as a crucial step towards restoring the vibrant artistic community that once thrived at Rangmandal. The legacy of Rangmandal includes workshops conducted by renowned theatre personalities, which enriched the experience of many artists. The revival of this repertory is not just about restoring a theatre group; it represents a commitment to preserving and celebrating the rich cultural heritage that Karanth and his disciples contributed to Indian theatre.