Save Rang Bhavan

We all went there, we all enjoyed there, we probably had our fondest memories there. Now it must go! Yes Rang Bhavan probably faces its toughest challenge yet. The shrine of rockers old and new, has come under the threat of being closed forever. A recent high court judgement has deemed Rang Bhavan as a venue which falls under a silence zone, a place within 100 metres of any court, religious place, educational institution or hospital.
Rang Bhavan is a cultural heritage structure. It is a shrine for rock fans, rock bands,jazz fans, jazz bands, theatre aficionados, folk music enthusiasts. The famous Independence rock is a festival that has been held in Rang Bhavan for the last 18 years! It is one of the two biggest rock festivals taking place in Bombays event calendar besides other rock shows that take place there. It holds special place in the hearts of the rock fans not only for the entertainment value the festival holds but it also is one of the rare occasions where the rock fans get to see their favorite seasoned professional rock bands playing besides new amateur ones, who compete with each other for winning the competition.
Competition bands from all the over the country start rehearsing 2 months in advance to be seen and try to win the coveted first prize, not because the monetary value to be earned is lot but just the chance to be seen by 10,000 rock fans is worth all the effort put in. It also establishes their name in the rock fraternity and earns them respect and shows as the credibility of a band is measured by the performance a certain rock band had offered in Independence rock. No wonder bands like Indus Creed, Agni, Pentagram, Parikrama among others who went ahead to become extremely successful rock bands signed by record labels owe a lot of their success to Rang Bhavan.
Besides rock, jazz yatra has been conducted for the 17th time in the last 25 years with artistes from all over the world performing in Rang Bhavan. And indeed the jazz fans were stunned when the regular venue had to be changed to a venue with lesser seating capacity.
Also Rang Bhavan plays host to plays are conducted by big theatre groups and small who range from within Bombay to other smaller towns in Maharashtra. It provides an oppurtunity to exhibit their talent at a cheaper rate which will not be affordable at private venues
Indian classical maestros including Shiv Kumar Sharma, Zakir Hussian among others have performed to packed houses in Rang Bhavan. Global superstars like Sting, Jethro Tull, John Mc Laughlin among others have performed in Rang Bhavan.
Indeed it would be an irreparable loss, if Rang Bhavan would have to close down. Its historical importance as well as Rock musics good health lies in the restoration of Rang Bhavan
We are conducting a signature drive among other activities in the campaign to save Rang Bhavan. Please sign as these signatures will play a vital role in making a case for Rang Bhavan in the courts as well as creating popular and moral support for its restoration. Please contact your CR for any information required for the same.
You might have missed the first landing on the moon, but dont miss this oppurtunity to be part of history!

Sujeet
President,
Bombay Rock Association