Pune: The Marathi film fraternity has voiced concern about redevelopment of Balgandharva Rangmandir, condemning the demolition but welcoming an upgrade by keeping the existing structure intact.

Subodh Bhave, popular Marathi actor, said, “Balgandharva is a platform for artistes from all over Maharashtra. The PMC must focus on maintaining the theatre rather than demolishing it. In fact, the government must attend to other pressing matters of the city and not interfere in the artistes’ business!”

Similarly, Marathi film director Aditya Sarpotdar, whose childhood was spent mostly in Balgandharva Rangmandir, expressed shock at PMC’s proposed move. “Instead of demolishing and destroying memories of generations of artists, the PMC should focus on repairing and upgrading the structure so that it can be preserved for all art lovers,” said Sarpotdar
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On the other hand, Sushma Deshpande, legendary Marathi actress, remarked, “The acoustics and other infrastructure are really not up to the mark. Hence, a change is  needed.”