The site where one of the oldest theatres in the State once stood is now covered in garbage and rubble.
About a year ago, the Rani Chennamma theatre was demolished by the city corporation which owns the land, in order to build a commercial complex and construct a bigger theatre.
But the reconstruction is likely to get delayed for a few more months as the government has not yet released funds for it.
The city corporation wanted to demolish the theatre and build only a commercial complex. But after artistes and theatre lovers exerted pressure on the government, it was decided to provide space even for a theatre in the same complex.
District in-charge secretary Mohammed Mohsin had reportedly got financial approval from the previous Kannada and Culture Minister, Umashree, to grant special funds for the project. Interestingly, she was one of the artistes who had performed in the same theatre before joining politics.
With the government grant of ₹1.5 crore for the project, three floors will be built. The top floor will be converted into a theatre.
“Because of some reason, the funds could not be released. We have written to the government to grant funds, after which we will start work,” said Vidyavati Bhajantri, the District Kannada and Culture Officer.
