Bharatmata won’t shut, says Maran

Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran gave an assurance that Bharatmata theatre will not be shut down and will continue to function in Lalbaug. HT Correspondent reports.

Textile Minister Dayanidhi Maran on Thursday gave an assurance that Bharatmata theatre will not be shut down and will continue to function in Lalbaug.

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“It is a myth that we [National Textiles Corporation] are closing down Bharatmata. It will remain where it is and continue to screen Marathi films,” said Maran.

“Just as I am sentimental about the Tamil language, so are Marathi people here ,” Maran added.

In the morning, before presiding over a function of inaugurating the three city mills slated for revival, Maran visited the theatre and said that all modalities would be worked out to ensure that the theatre continues to run in the place.

However, activists who are fighting to save the 72-year-old cinema house said Maran should first withdraw the eviction notice served by his department.

“It was the NTC which wanted to take over the theatre, and if Maran is sincere, he should first withdraw the notice,” said Advocate Nimesh Mehta, vice president, Girni Chawl Bhadekaru Sangharsha Samitee, a committee for millworkers’ housing rights.