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| Gaiety Theatre | |
|---|---|
 Gaitey Theatre as seen fromMall Road | |
  Location within Himachal Pradesh Show map of Himachal Pradesh Gaiety Theatre, Shimla (India) Show map of India | |
| General information | |
| Architectural style | Gothic |
| Location | The Ridge |
| Town or city | Shimla |
| Country |  India |
| Coordinates | 31°06′17″N77°10′26″E / 31.1047°N 77.1738°E /31.1047; 77.1738 |
| Opened | 30 May 1887; 137 years ago (30 May 1887) |
| Design and construction | |
| Architect(s) | Henry Irwin |
Gaiety Theatre orGaiety Heritage Cultural Complex is historic theatre and tourist destination inShimla. It is located onMall Road. It is the hub of cultural events of the state. It also very popular amongBollywood as manymusic videos and movies are often filmed here, including the 2019 song "Pachtaoge" byArijit Singh[1][2] and 2022 song "O Aasmanwale" byJubin Nautiyal.[3]
Gaiety Theatre was opened on 30 May 1887, to a design by the English architectHenry Irwin. It is an example of theGothic Revival style of architecture, derived from British Victorian examples. It was once part of the large Town Hall Complex. It had a capacity of more than 300 people. Initially, it was a five-story building with a theatre, ballroom, armoury, police office, bar, and galleries. After nearly two decades from its date of establishment, it was found that the building was structurally unsafe. It was partially demolished, but the Gaiety Theatre remains untouched. With a rich history to its credit, the theatre was the center for entertainment and socialisation, whereViceroy Lord Lytton wrote and staged a play calledWalpole, andRudyard Kipling acted in 'a scrap of paper'. Legends likeBaden Powell,K.L. Sehgal,Prithvi Raj Kapoor,Balraj Sahni,Pran,Tom Alter,Manohar Singh,Jennifer Kendall,Anupam Kher,Naseeruddin Shah,Shahid Kapoor,Ayushmann Khurrana,Udit Narayan,Sonu Nigam,Mohit Chauhan andShreya Ghoshal and others have also performed here.[4] At one time the popularity of English plays in the theatre earned the nickname, Mecca of Theatre.[5]
The room has superb acoustics, and though it has undergone some minor renovations, the screen used is still the same as the one designed by the architect. With an array of venues, including an exhibition hall, an art gallery, a multi-purpose hall, an amphitheatre, and an old theatre hall, this is the hub of performing arts in the state. The complex witnesses a huge volume of visitors year-round due to its cultural prominence. Even today, several drama societies actively use the space, which has also hosted renowned Indian actors and singers. The complex supports painting, photography, dance, drama, theatrics, elocution, sculpture, and classical and folk music. At the same time Gaiety Complex also providesShimla schools an opportunity to participate in the cultural activities organised here. More than a century-old symbol of art and culture, the Gaiety is primarily known for its social club.[6]
This gallery is attached toLalit Kala Academy, New Delhi. It holds an exhibition of Nationally and Internationally renowned artists, highlighting modern and traditional art.
This is another exhibition hall, having display boards to exhibit paintings, sculptures, crafts, and photographs of the people belonging to India.
The multi-purpose hall has a seating arrangement of 450 people, with all the modern facilities for indoor cultural activities.
The amphitheatre is an open-air theatre for enacting street plays small interaction and open-air cultural programs with seating for 100 people.
Gaiety Theatre has been used as a setting location for various films andmusic videos, such as many scenes of the movieTamasha movie, the music video for "Pachtaoge" song byArijit Singh, the song "Main Nikla Gaddi Le Ke" from the movieGadar- Ek Prem Katha and the 2022 song "O Aasmanwale" byJubin Nautiyal[7] were filmed here.