In a city known for its deep-rooted cultural heritage, theater lovers received disappointing news this week. The 18-year-old Savitribai Phule Theatre, a beloved venue in Dombivli, has been temporarily closed after a portion of its ceiling collapsed on Friday. Fortunately, no performances were scheduled at the time, and no injuries were reported, averting what could have been a major disaster.
The closure comes shortly after the Ram Ganesh Gadkari Rangayatan in Thane was shut down for repair work. As a result, many renowned plays and artists had recently shifted their performances to theaters in Dombivli and Kalyan, much to the delight of local theater enthusiasts. The Savitribai Phule Theatre, frequently displaying “house full” boards, had become a cultural hub during this period.
However, the recent ceiling collapse has dampened that excitement. Officials from the Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC), including City Engineer Anita Pardeshi and Executive Engineers Rohini Lokre and Manoj Sangle, visited the site immediately. They ordered a structural inspection report to assess the damage.
The report revealed that the roof frames had become weak and brittle, posing a serious safety risk. Acting swiftly, Municipal Commissioner Abhinav Goyal approved the initiation of repair work. As a result, the theater will remain closed until the renovations are completed.
The KDMC has officially ordered the closure of Savitribai Phule Theatre until June 15 to ensure the safety of performers and audiences. Authorities have appealed to the public for patience and cooperation during the restoration period. However, the timing—during the holiday season—has left many theatergoers and artists expressing disappointment over the disruption of scheduled performances.b