 "Balgandharva Rangmandir: A thriving cultural community")
When a place has witnessed some of the best art and music performances, it starts to embody the culture around it. The Balgandharva Rangmandir in Bandra, Mumbai, is an example of a cultural conglomeration that has produced a rich community of art connoisseurs.
Ever since opening its gates to the people of Mumbai in 2016, the Balgandharva Rangmandir has successfully hosted more than 1,000 shows and performances. Situated in a quiet residential lane of St Theresa’s, the auditorium is the third biggest event venue in Bandra. The musical concerts and events hosted at the venue in the last few years bear testimony to its thriving community.
Playing Host to Indian Classical Music Legends
The musical performances at the Rangmandir have brought together young and old audiences while uniting Indian classical music artists with contemporary music lovers. One such occasion was Khiraj - a musical event hosted at the Rangmandir in 2022 - when the legendary Sarod maestro Ustad Amjad Ali Khan mesmerized the audience. Equally anticipated was the concert of flute player Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, who captivated the audience with his enchanting melodies during the event. In fact, Balgandharva Rangmandir recently also hosted the opening of the play “Basuri Jab Gane Lagi” on the life history of Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia in addition to organizing an Indian Classical Show with renowned singer Kaushiki Chakoborti and Sitar Maestro Niladri Kumar.
Home to Exclusive Musicals and Concerts
A contextual approach to hosting musical events goes a long way in harboring a sense of community. In that regard, the Balgandharva Rangmandir has lent its stage to some of the most celebrated Indian musicals. One of the most notable musicals is Mughal-e-Azam: The Musical, directed by Feroz Khan. This was a significant event because the specific musical returned to Mumbai after two years of pandemic in 2022 with all its 14 shows held at the Rangmandir. In addition, award-winning singers from Indian Cinema, such as singer Shankar Mahadevan and musician A. R. Rehman, have held packed concerts here.
But the concerts are not limited to only Indian music. A memorable moment at the auditorium was an exclusive jazz concert by the celebrated Russian sax player Igor Butman and his quintet in December 2023. The group opened the concert with “Blues for Wynton". Soon, the audience demanded an encore after so many rousing performances. Butman, one of the world’s top five jazz saxophonists, obliged with the most popular “Those Were the Days”, a Russian Folk Song.
Theatrical Gatherings add Color
Theatre and film legends such as Anupam Kher and Shabana Azmi have performed in several plays at the Balgandharva Rangmandir. Like its namesake Bal Gandharva, the auditorium has infused a sense of pride in the art of theatre. The theatre has strived to preserve our acting legacy by hosting regular shows and plays along with acting workshops taught by some of the most respected names in the industry. With its large stage and 600+ seating capacity, the auditorium makes theatrical events a completely ethereal experience.