Pune, 3rd November 2025: A minor explosion in the air-conditioning system at the iconic Balgandharva Rangmandir on Jangli Maharaj Road caused a brief scare on Sunday night after thick smoke filled the auditorium. Fortunately, no one was injured, and the damage was minimal.
The incident took place around 9:30 pm, just before the audience was set to enter for a Marathi commercial play. According to sources, the blast occurred in the AC unit near the balcony section, leading to a sudden burst of smoke that quickly spread inside the hall.
Alert staff members immediately noticed the problem and took swift action to bring the situation under control. The auditorium was temporarily cleared, and audience entry was halted until the smoke subsided.
An official from the venue said the staff acted quickly, preventing a potential accident and ensuring everyone’s safety. Once the air cleared and the system was secured, the audience was allowed to enter, and the play resumed smoothly after a short delay.
The quick response from the staff and the absence of the audience at the time helped avert a major incident at one of Pune’s most prominent cultural landmarks.
