When Will the Curtain Rise Again at Bhiwandi’s Rangayatan?

For the past seven years, the cultural heartbeat of Bhiwandi—Rangayatan Theatre—has remained shut, leaving citizens without a space for plays, music, and cultural programs. The theatre, once a hub of artistic life, was closed in 2017 due to safety concerns after parts of the building deteriorated.

In 2022, the municipal corporation announced a ₹2.6 crore renovation plan, but progress has been painfully slow. Only 25% of the work has been completed, despite repeated promises. Contractors have even submitted bills, yet the stage remains dark.

Frustrated residents, especially theatre lovers, say the closure has robbed the city of its cultural identity. Artists and audiences alike are forced to travel outside Bhiwandi for performances. Many fear that if the work drags on further, the city’s younger generation will grow up without exposure to theatre and the arts.

Citizens are now demanding clear deadlines, asking: when will Rangayatan’s third bell finally ring again?