Rajasthan Government Prioritizes Shilpgram Over Ravindra Manch in New Budget
The Rajasthan state government has allocated ₹15 crore in the 2026–27 budget for the redevelopment of Shilpgram at Jawahar Kala Kendra under the tourism, art, and cultural heritage sector. However, the budget announcement included no funds for the renovation of Ravindra Manch, triggering significant disappointment among Jaipur's theatre community.
Artists Express Frustration Over Neglected Cultural Venue
For years, artistes have sought urgent repairs and proper upkeep of Ravindra Manch. In December, they staged a protest over its deteriorating condition, stating that 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 with nostalgia. "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 revealed that ₹40–50 crore was sanctioned in 2013–14 by the Centre and the state for renovation, but the funds were not utilized according to 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," Khan explained, highlighting the mismanagement of previous funds.
Systematic Restoration Needed for Ravindra Manch
Writer Ashok Aatreya emphasized that Ravindra Manch requires 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 stated, pointing to the venue's decline in popularity due to neglect.
Reacting to the Shilpgram allocation, Khan cautioned that excessive modernization could dilute its traditional character. Aatreya added a critical perspective, "Art and tourism are not the same. Art is a creative expression, while tourism often reduces culture to a product."
Artists Voice Their Disappointment and Urge Action
Theatre artiste Madhav Singh expressed mixed feelings about the budget allocations. "Funding Shilpgram is not wrong, but completely ignoring Ravindra Manch is deeply unfair," he said. TV actor Narendra Gupta called Ravindra Manch a "temple for artistes" and described its current condition as painful.
Gupta noted that artists feel deeply hurt seeing the venue neglected, especially since it was part of a national cultural plan and hosted many great performers. He urged the government to maintain it properly, stressing its historical and cultural significance to Jaipur's artistic community.
The budget decision has sparked a broader conversation about the prioritization of cultural projects in Rajasthan, with many calling for a balanced approach that supports both traditional venues like Ravindra Manch and newer initiatives like Shilpgram.
