15cr for Shilpgram in state Budget, but ailing Ravindra Manch ignored

Jaipur: The state govt has earmarked Rs 15 crore in the 2026–27 budget for redevelopment of Shilpgram at Jawahar Kala Kendra under the tourism, art and cultural heritage sector, but announced no funds for renovation of Ravindra Manch, triggering disappointment among Jaipur's theatre community.For years, artistes have sought urgent repairs and proper upkeep of Ravindra Manch. In Dec, they staged a protest over its deteriorating condition, saying repeated efforts to meet Rajasthan Tourism chairman Praveen Gupta and tourism minister Diya Kumari brought no concrete outcome.
Once a premier cultural venue that hosted legends like Irrfan Khan, Om Shivpuri, Kader Khan, Jagjit Singh and the Wadali Brothers, the auditorium is now in a poor state. Senior theatre director Shabir Khan recalled its vibrant past. "It was a living cultural space. From rehearsals to poetry and theatre discussions, artistes spent entire days here. It felt like home," he said. Khan said Rs 40–50 crore was sanctioned in 2013–14 by the Centre and the state for renovation, but the funds were not utilised as per theatre needs. "Expensive and unnecessary installations were added, while basic requirements were ignored. There is no lift, technical staff strength reduced, and no new recruitment took place. Equipment is now lying damaged," he said. Writer Ashok Aatreya said Ravindra Manch needs systematic restoration. "The building is worn out. Earlier funds were spent without planning. There is no modern sound system, no proper cleanliness, and the open-air theatre behind the complex is completely ruined. Now people avoid coming here," he said. Reacting to the Shilpgram allocation, Khan cautioned that excessive modernisation could dilute its traditional character. Aatreya added, "Art and tourism are not the same. Art is a creative expression, while tourism often reduces culture to a product." Theatre artiste Madhav Singh said, "Funding Shilpgram is not wrong, but completely ignoring Ravindra Manch is deeply unfair." TV actor Narendra Gupta called Ravindra Manch a "temple for artistes" and said its condition is painful. He said artists feel deeply hurt seeing the venue neglected. Gupta noted that it was part of a national cultural plan. Many great artistes performed there, he said. He urged the govt to maintain it properly.