Shivaji Mandir
![]() | This article has multiple issues. Please help improve it or discuss these issues on the talk page. (Learn how and when to remove these messages)
|

Shri Shivaji Mandir is a theatre auditorium located in Dadar, Mumbai, India. Opened on 3 May 1965 as the first closed auditorium in Dadar, the theater remains a landmark.[1] It is one of the most prominent venues for Marathi theatre and has played a significant role in preserving and promoting Maharashtra’s theatrical culture. Over the years, it has hosted performances by legendary playwrights, actors, and theatre groups, making it a cultural landmark in Mumbai.[2] The theatre has recently undergone renovations and is set to reopen its doors to the public on April 30, 2022.
Cultural Significance
[edit]Hub for Marathi Theatre
[edit]Shivaji Mandir is one of the oldest and most prestigious venues for Marathi theatre in Mumbai. It has staged some of the most famous Marathi plays, including:
- "Natsamrat" – A legendary play written by Vijay Tendulkar.
- "Ghashiram Kotwal" – A politically charged play that gained international recognition.
- "Ekach Pyala" – A classic by Ram Ganesh Gadkari.
- "Moruchi Mavshi" – A popular comedy play.[3]

Influence on Indian Theatre
[edit]Many actors who performed at Shivaji Mandir went on to achieve national and international fame, including:
The theatre has also contributed to the growth of experimental theatre, providing a platform for young playwrights and directors to showcase their talents.[4]
Location and Accessibility
[edit]Shivaji Mandir is centrally located in Dadar West, making it easily accessible by public and private transport.
Transport Options:
[edit]- Railway: Dadar Railway Station (Western & Central Line) is just a few minutes away.
- Metro: The upcoming Mumbai Metro Line 3 will improve connectivity.
- Road: Well-connected via Senapati Bapat Marg, NC Kelkar Road, and Shivaji Park area.
- Bus: Several BEST buses operate from Dadar, making it convenient for visitors.
See Also
[edit]References
[edit]- ^ Mohite, Anushka (2 January 2017). "Eclipsed by TV: A 51-year-old theatre that stages Marathi plays". Hindustan Times. Retrieved 13 January 2017.
- ^ Kulkarni, Kedar A. (2023), "Migration and Marathi Theatre in Colonial India, 1850–1900", The Palgrave Handbook of Theatre and Migration, Cham: Springer International Publishing, pp. 701–712, doi:10.1007/978-3-031-20196-7_56, ISBN 978-3-031-20195-0, retrieved 24 March 2025
- ^ "Prose Plays", Gender, Culture, and Performance, Routledge, pp. 61–82, 5 July 2017, doi:10.4324/9781315093703-5, ISBN 978-1-315-09370-3, retrieved 24 March 2025
- ^ "The Theatre World", Gender, Culture, and Performance, Routledge, pp. 212–238, 5 July 2017, doi:10.4324/9781315093703-14, ISBN 978-1-315-09370-3, retrieved 24 March 2025