Archive · 12 Nov 2025
Pune Artists Protest 'Rang Yatra' App Over Theatre Booking Concerns
Imagine the city has a special building where actors can perform shows.
The city wants to use a new computer app to let people book the building for shows.
But, the actors and people who manage the shows are worried about this app.
They think that if everyone can book online easily, some powerful groups might book all the good dates, leaving no time for them.
They also worry that the city might not know who is booking the building and for what reason, which could lead to problems.
They prefer the old way where they write a letter to book, so the city can check if the booking is okay.
They want the city to wait and talk to them before making any decisions about the new app.
Theatre professionals in Pune protested the PMC's proposed 'Rang Yatra' online booking app at Bal Gandharva Rangmandir.
Concerns were raised about the app potentially leading to monopolization of theatre booking slots by dominant organizations.
Protesters cited that the online system could disrupt current quarterly date allocation methods, affecting performance schedules.
They emphasized that Bal Gandharva Rangmandir, a cultural landmark, should not be commercialized through the app.
A meeting with Guardian Minister Ajit Pawar is planned to discuss the issues before the PMC makes a final decision.
- Who
- Pune theatre producers, managers, coordinators, and artists
- What
- Protested against the Pune Municipal Corporation's (PMC) proposed 'Rang Yatra' online theatre booking application.
- When
- Wednesday
- Where
- At the Bal Gandharva Rangmandir premises in Pune.
- Why
- They fear the app will lead to monopolization of theatre bookings, disrupt current scheduling practices, cause inconvenience, and potentially result in financial losses.
Theatre Professionals
PMC Proposed 'Rang Yatra' App
Control Over Booking Purpose
Theatre Professionals
The PMC administration will lose control over the purpose of bookings, potentially allowing dominant organizations to monopolize slots and hindering artists' access to performance dates.
PMC Proposed 'Rang Yatra' App
An online system for theatre bookings.
Impact on Date Allocation and Performances
Theatre Professionals
The current quarterly allocation based on past events allows for flexibility with last-minute artist schedule changes. An online system could disrupt this, reducing the number of performances.
PMC Proposed 'Rang Yatra' App
An online booking system that may disrupt current allocation methods.
Cultural Landmark Status
Theatre Professionals
Balgandharva Rangmandir, a premier cultural landmark, should remain a theatre auditorium and not become a commercial hall.
PMC Proposed 'Rang Yatra' App
A proposed online booking application for theatre reservations.
Financial Implications
Theatre Professionals
The app could cause inconvenience to the theatre community and potentially lead to financial losses for the municipal corporation.
PMC Proposed 'Rang Yatra' App
An online booking system for theatre reservations.
- Location of Protest
- Balgandharva Rangmandir premises, Pune
- Date of Protest
- Wednesday
- App Name
- 'Rang Yatra' (proposed by PMC)
- Protesting Groups
- Theatre producers, managers, coordinators, and artists
- Key Concerns
- Loss of control over booking purposes, potential monopolization, disruption of scheduling, financial losses for PMC, and commercialization of cultural spaces.