Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis will inaugurate the renovated Lokshahir Sahityaratna Anna Bhau Sathe Natyagruha in Byculla on Friday, July 31. Developed by the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC), the upgraded theatre has been transformed into a modern indoor performance venue with advanced facilities, including a 761-seat air-conditioned auditorium, upgraded sound and lighting systems and a dedicated memorial gallery.
Located near Byculla East railway station within the Veermata Jijabai Bhosale Udyan complex, the renovated theatre will be inaugurated at 2:30 pm. The event will also be attended by Deputy Chief Ministers Eknath Shinde and Sunetra Ajit Pawar, Information Technology and Cultural Affairs Minister Ashish Shelar and Skill Development Minister Mangal Prabhat Lodha.
The inauguration has been scheduled ahead of the birth anniversary of Lokshahir and Sahityaratna Anna Bhau Sathe, whose contribution to Marathi literature, folk traditions and social reform remains significant.
According to the BMC, the upgraded auditorium is equipped with advanced surround sound technology, modern lighting arrangements and improved stage infrastructure suitable for theatrical productions, musical performances, cultural programmes and other live events.
The theatre features a 21-metre-wide and 11-metre-long stage, along with green rooms, two makeup rooms and a dedicated cry room for families with infants. To ensure smooth operations, the facility includes backup power through a diesel generator, CCTV monitoring and a modern fire safety system.
A memorial gallery dedicated to Anna Bhau Sathe has also been developed on the ground floor of the complex. The gallery includes a bust of the renowned writer and folk artist and showcases his literary contributions, quotes, Lavani compositions, songs and Shahiri performances. It also displays photographs highlighting his life journey and social messages associated with his work.
The redeveloped complex includes an automated paid basement parking facility with space for around 32 vehicles. A cafeteria is planned on the first floor, which also has an open area for visitors. A dedicated civic office has been established to manage theatre bookings.
Originally built as the Lokshahir Sahityaratna Anna Bhau Sathe Open-Air Theatre, the venue was redeveloped into an enclosed auditorium in 2021. With upgraded infrastructure and contemporary amenities, the BMC aims to create a modern cultural space while preserving the legacy of one of Maharashtra’s most celebrated literary figures.
Source: Mid-day
