KL Saigal Hall cries for attention

Vikram Sharma

Tribune News Service 

Jammu, August 20

KL Saigal Hall, where a majority of cultural functions are held, is in a dilapidated condition. Besides bringing bad name to the state cultural academy, it is inviting artistes’ wrath as well.

The hall named after renowned ghazal singer KL Saigal is situated on the premises of the cultural academy. It has a seating capacity of 50-60 people. The hall earlier used to look majestic. It had seven air conditioners making it an all weather hall round-the-year.

At present only one air-conditioner is functioning here and that too at half its capacity, while all other units have been lying defunct.

 “The irony is that to run a one-hour programme in the hall, we have to open the windows, besides installing five to six pedestal fans to keep the heat away,” said Seema Mehra, president, Society for Environment and Modern Art.

In addition, the stage in the front, which is wood paneled, is broken from many places and the cyclorama presents an abhorring look as it is smeared with dirt and paint.

 “Since the hall’s rent for an NGO affiliated with the State Cultural Academy is affordable, it is mostly preferred. Despite repeated requests, the authorities have failed to do anything,” said Aaditya Bhanu, a senior theatre director.

 An official of the institution claimed that since there was no permanent secretary of the institution, the present incharge was least concerned about art and culture since he was from another department.

Sad state of affairs 

• The hall earlier had seven air-conditioners making it an all-weather hall round-the-year.
• At present only one air-conditioner is functioning here and that too at half its capacity, while all other units have been lying defunct.