Hampi-inspired auditorium project launched

Hosapete: Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman on Friday laid the foundation stone for a district auditorium to be built using Rs 5 crore from the MP Local Area Development Fund.The auditorium will come up on a three-acre site near the deputy commissioner’s office. Its design has drawn inspiration from Hampi’s stone chariot and pillared mantapas.Sitharaman laid the foundation stone in the presence of MP E Tukaram and MLA HR Gaviyappa. Principal architect Avin S Jain briefed her on the project’s features.The auditorium will have a seating capacity of 620 members, including 500 seats in the main hall and 120 in the balcony. The complex will house an art gallery, library, mini theatre, recording studio, dubbing studio, rehearsal and training rooms, two green rooms and nine residential rooms for artistes.It will also include dormitories for artistes, a 300-seat open-air theatre and an office of the Kannada and culture cepartment.The proposal for a district auditorium to promote theatre activities in the district was the vision of former minister MP Prakash, an artiste himself. He advocated for the construction of a well-equipped auditorium in Hosapete.Artistes and cultural enthusiasts long sought such a facility, citing the need for a venue to host cultural programmes, literary conferences, music concerts and dance performances throughout the year.Deputy commissioner Kavita S Mannikeri said the auditorium would serve as a permanent venue for district-level govt programmes, theatre festivals, cultural events and literary conferences after completion.She said evening cultural programmes could also be organised for domestic and international tourists visiting Hampi, helping showcase the district’s cultural heritage and promote tourism.