A heritage project aimed at celebrating the legacy of Marathi theatre appears to have been quietly shelved by the Maharashtra government, drawing sharp criticism from Shiv Sena (UBT) leader Aaditya Thackeray. The museum, which was planned to be built at Girgaum Chowpatty, had originally been announced in 2021 by former Chief Minister Uddhav Thackeray.
The defunct Birla Krida Kendra was to be repurposed under the initiative. A vision had been laid out for transforming the site—spanning approximately 7,000 square metres—into a dedicated space showcasing the history of Marathi theatre through a museum, auditorium, amphitheatre, and exhibition galleries. The centre, however, has remained non-operational since the year 2000.
Concerns were raised by Aaditya Thackeray on social media, where it was alleged that the project had been discontinued without transparency or formal communication. The cancellation was described as a blow to Marathi cultural heritage. It was also suggested that political or commercial interests may have influenced the decision. It was further stated that the current administration, led by the BJP, was pursuing an agenda perceived as being dismissive of Marathi identity. Accusations were made that similar cultural initiatives had previously been undermined, including the Marathi Rangbhoomi Dalan. The delay in completing the Marathi Language Bhavan due to the inclusion of unrelated departments was also cited.
Statements made by Thackeray implied that no opposition had been expressed by local residents or the Marathi-speaking population regarding the theatre museum. Questions were raised about whether resistance originated from local BJP representatives or whether the land had been set aside for alternate, possibly commercial, purposes. Through his remarks, a broader concern was conveyed—that bureaucratic decisions were being used to systematically dilute regional culture. Mumbaikars were urged to stay vigilant against such developments and recognise patterns of neglect toward Marathi language and arts.
The museum project, had it proceeded as envisioned, would have served as a tribute to the rich tradition of Marathi theatre and an educational space for future generations. With the reported cancellation, a significant cultural opportunity appears to have been lost, prompting wider debates around linguistic preservation and the politics of identity in Maharashtra.
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