AMC to revamp Jayshankar Sundari Natya Gruh

Ahmedabad: The Amdavad Municipal Corporation (AMC) is set to renovate the Jayshankar Sundari Natya Gruh located in the Raikhad area of the city’s central zone, which has been closed for several years. The renovation is estimated to cost around Rs. 5 crore.

As part of the revival effort, the iconic theater hall, owned by the Gujarat government, will be handed over to AMC free of cost for 30 years. Additionally, the state government will provide a grant of Rs. 1 crore to support the renovation.

Due to its prolonged closure, the hall is in urgent need of refurbishment. A preliminary estimate suggests a renovation cost of Rs. 5 crore. However, since the civil work is extensive, a detailed survey will be conducted before finalizing the renovation cost and initiating the tendering process.

Once renovated by AMC, Jayshankar Sundari Hall will offer residents of the Kot area and East Zone a venue to enjoy art, cultural, and entertainment programs. This beloved auditorium, a favorite among theater enthusiasts over the years, is expected to regain its former vibrancy soon.

Revenue generated from the renovated Jayshankar Sundari Natya Gruh will belong to AMC.

Standing Committee Chairman Devang Dani stated that since the Kot area currently lacks any theater halls, a request was made to the state government to allocate Jayshankar Sundari Hall to AMC. The hall will be handed over to AMC with the condition that its original purpose for cultural activities is maintained.

Constructed in October 1976 in Raikhad, the hall—owned by the state’s sports, youth, and cultural activities department—was once a prominent cultural hub in Ahmedabad. It is named after the legendary theater artist Jayshankar Bhojak, popularly known as Jayshankar ‘Sundari’ due to his acclaimed roles as a female impersonator in Gujarati theater.

A proposal for the hall’s renovation was included in AMC’s 2024-25 budget. Notably, the hall was also renovated in 2010 and inaugurated by then Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. However, since 2014, the hall has remained shut, with no plays staged, as it fell into disrepair. DeshGujarat