The Kari Basava Rajendra (KBR) drama company’s Kannada Samskruti Kala Kendra commonly known to Belgaum as Chindodi Leela rang mandir is now being removed and a tank would be built on the terms of the Kapileshwar tank just on the opposite side which will be utilized for Ganesh immersions.
The work on the removal of the same has begun under the supervision of the DC, Dr.Caur.
This was a long pending demand of Belgaumites that a tank be built there so that the immersion can take place in a more easy manner. The current Kapileshwar talav is now very small to house about 250+ odd huge idols of the Elephant God.
History: The Kari Basava Rajendra (KBR) drama company of Davangere produced 58 plays and has given more than 20,000 performances, including over 2,000 stage shows in the border areas of Belgaum.
Chindodi Leela under whose leadership the company came to fame camped at Belgaum for 10 years continuously (1980-1990), kindling the Kannada fire.
There was initial resent for alocating land to the company but she took the battle to the Supreme Court and emerged victorious. She then staged ‘Chhatrapati Shivaji’ and won over Marathi hearts. She even became a Municipal Council member.
The current removal of the structure is still in progress and this year no immersions would be possible, but as Rs.50 lakhs have been sanctioned for the same, next year may be the Elephant God will have much bigger place for immersion.
Its huge loss to kannadiga’s. Instead of removing it , they could have renovated it . I don’t know why there was no objection from KRV or other Kannada sangha’s.! I also agree with Kapil and 2nd Capital….
KRV are busy opposing Hindi diwas. They are a bunch of jokers who do not know what real issues need to be addressed. Instead of being proud to be an indian they are playing farce.
Although I am a marathi person, I still feel sad for this, once a proud center for culture and heritage. I have seen one play here when I was a little kid along with my grandma. Dr. Raj Kumar had played the protagonist, and the play was Raitara Makkalu..Beautiful and soul crunching story and acting…Now this all is just a piece of memory!
Its so sad, If I am not wrong this is the only drama company from olden days in the heart of belgaum city.
DC should have given permission to construct tank near jakin honda or some other open ground and should have renovated this place instead of bringing it down but who will challenge them they take decision on their own. This will be a great cultural loss to people in belgaum
I was around 4-5 yrs old when my family had once taken me to see some drama dont remeber the play name.
KBR( Kari Basava Rajendra (KBR) drama company of Davangere)……. Miss u lot. Just Name "KBR Tank"