Nashik: The rent of the renovated Kalidas Kala Mandir has been reduced, thanks to vigorous opposition to the proposed hike even before the docket was finished. For amateur dramas, the rate will be between Rs 6,000 to Rs 11,000. For other programmes, it will be Rs 31,000.Three categories have been set for the fare of Kalidas Kala Mandir, depending on the kind of programme. For professional dramas, it will be Rs 15,000 to Rs 21,000, while for orchestra and other programmes, it will be Rs 25,000 to Rs 31,000.It was initially planned to raise the rent from Rs 4,000 to Rs 40,000. When local artists learnt about the plan, they jumped to oppose it, even before a formal announcement in the matter could be made. Political parties also took advantage of the situation and agitated in front of the theatre along with artists. Some artists met civic chief Tukaram Mundhe with BJP MLA Devyani Pharande, and Mundhe clarified that rates had not yet been finalised. He assured those on protest that the rates would be reasonable.A proposal has been prepared by the civic administration for approval of the standing committee. The fare had not been hiked in several years, and considering the huge increase in maintenance costs, the administration hiked the charges.More than a year back, Marathi actor Prashant Damle took NMC on heavily on social media over pathetic conditions of the hall. A year back, NMC began renovating the theatre and the adjoining Mahatma Phule Kaladalan, to bring it to world class standards under the Smart City scheme. The total expense incurred is Rs 12.13 crore. It was inaugurated on August 15.“We have revised rates as per the category of organisation. Smaller organisations will have to pay less. We have not hiked the rate in decades. In other cities, they charge around Rs 40,000. We will have to maintain the hall as well,” an officer explained.

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